Beyond the Surface-
Unraveling Microplastics
and their Environmental
Footprint
FROM PRISTINE WATERS TO PLASTIC PERIL
In the case of the Ganges River, extensive studies have revealed the presence of
microplastics stemming from various sources.
KEY FINDINGS-
1. The Ganga was found to be polluted with plastic waste mainly single-use and secondary plastic products.
2. The number of MPs detected in the surface water of river Ganga in Varanasi was (2.42±0.405 MPs/m3).
3. The number of MPs detected in surface water of river Ganga in Kanpur was (2.16±0.500 MPs/m3).
4. Haridwar resulted in the lowest number of MPs/m3 (1.30±0.518) as compared to other two locations
Varanasi and Kanpur.
5. Fragments were the predominant shape in all locations followed by film and fiber.
6. The most frequent size range observed in all the samples was <300µm Black and brown colored particles
were found to be more in number followed by colored particles in all the three locations. Dominance of
black colored particles suggests its origin from abrasion of tires.
https://planet.outlookindia.com/news/high-concentration-of-plastics-and-microplastics-in-ganga-study-news-414114#:~:text=The%20Ganga%20was%
Fm3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4 Bioaccumulation of
1 Introduction
microplastics
2 Classification & Types Ecological
Consequences
3 Sources of microplastics Mitigation and solutions
MICROPLASTICS
Microplastics, as the name implies, are tiny plastic
particles. Officially, they are defined as plastics less than
5000 micrometers in diameter, while Nanoplastics fall
within the range of 1-100 nanometer.
HISTORY
Microplastics gained attention in the late 20th century. Resulting from plastic degradation and
fragmentation, they infiltrate water bodies and soil. First observed in oceans, their widespread
presence now threatens aquatic life, ecosystems, and potentially human health.
Research escalated in the 21st century, revealing their ubiquity. This led to increased concerns
about their impact on the environment and organisms. Efforts to mitigate microplastic pollution
involve plastic reduction, better waste management, and international collaborations for a
sustainable future.
https://www.plasticcollective.co/history-of-plastic-pollution/
CLASSIFICATION
OF
MICROPLASTICS
ON THE BASIS OF SIZE
Nanoplastics Microplastics Mesoplastics Macroplastics
0.001-1 micrometre 1-1000 micrometre 1-10 millimetre >1 centimetre
ON THE BASIS OF POLYMER TYPE
PET or PETE PS PP PVC
Polyethylene Terephthalate Polystyrene Polypropylene Polyvinyl Chloride
TYPES OF PLASTICS FOUND IN THE OCEANS
54% 30% 16%
Polyethylene Polystyrene Polypropylene
ON THE BASIS OF ORIGIN
Primary Microplastics Secondary Microplastics Bio-based Microplastics
Intentionally produced & used for Breakdown or fragmentation of Biodegradable plastics that have
specific purposes. larger plastic items due to not fully broken down in the
Microbeads and nurdles. environmental factors. environment.
ON THE BASIS OF LOCATION
Aquatic Microplastics Terrestrial Microplastics Atmospheric Microplastics
Found in marine and freshwater Suzann
Found in soils, sediments, and Microplastics that have become
environments, including oceans, terrestrial ecosystems. airborne. Due to heavy traffic and
rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Plastic mulch films in agriculture. urban pollution.
SOURCES
OF
MICROPLASTIC
S
WHERE DO MICROPLASTIC ORIGINATE?
Synthetic textiles &
PRIMARY SOURCES
37%
Industrial abrasives
Microbeads of
35% cosmetics
28% Plastic Debris
SECONDARY SOURCES
Hydrolytic, Oxidative & Combustion & Energy
Mechanical Stress,
Biological degradation generation
Temperature fluctuations, UV
radiation
BIOACCUMULATION
The bioaccumulation of microplastics refers to the process by which
these small plastic particles accumulate in the tissues of organisms as
they move up the food chain.
MECHANISM OF
BIOACCUMULATION
Ingestion & Absorption Tissue distribution &
Processes Accumulation
Introduction to the Environment Digestion & Absorption of chemicals
Ingestion by Organisms Distribution and Transport
Shape and size of influence Selective Accumulation
Adhesion to Microplastics Trophic Transfer
ECOLOGICAL
CONSEQUENCES
DISRUPTION OF ECOSYSTEM BALANCE
Nutrient Cycling
Food Web Disruption Habitat Alteration
Disruption
Species
Eutrophication
Vulnerability
https://www.bigelow.org/services/algal-innovation/microplastic-project.html
RISKS AND IMPACT ON BIODIVERTY
RISKS TO PLANTS
Physical damage &
reduced light penetration
Soil contamination
Nutrient absorption interference
Altered microbial
communities
Impacts on reproduction
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361553608_Effects_of_M
icroplastics_on_Higher_Plants_A_Review
RISKS TO ANIMALS
Ingestion and Physical harm
Impaired nutrition
Impacts on reproduction
Hormonal disruption
https://progearthplanetsci.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40645-020-00405-4
HOW DO WE INGEST MICROPLASTICS?
Plastic in oceans Food chain
Plastic degrades Human intake
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35638092/
POSSIBLE HUMAN HEALTH RISKS
Respiratory
Inhaled microplastics travel through the
Neurological respiratory system and become lodged in
Chronic inflammation associated with the lungs
neurodegenerative diseases like
Alzheimer’s & Parkinson's disease Renal
Chronic inflammation and filtering
capacity of kidneys gets affected
Cardiovascular
Blood clot formation, Hemodynamic
changes
Gastrointestinal
Alterations in Nutrient Absorption,
Hormonal disruption, Blockage in GI
tract
https://progearthplanetsci.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40645-020-00405-4
MITIGATION
&
SOLUTIONS
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
Reduce Plastic Production & Improved Waste Management
Consumption Practices
Source Segregation
Innovative Cleanup Technologies Recycling Programs
Skimmer Boats Waste-to-Energy Facilities
Aerators and Baffles
River Cleaning Barges
Extended Producer
Microplastic filtration system Responsibility (EPR) Programs
Mesh Screens and Barriers Mandatory EPR Legislation
Membrane Filtration Offer financial incentives or
Biological Filtration penalties
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35638092/
REFRENCES
https://planet.outlookindia.com/news/high-concentration-of-plastics-and-microplastics-in-
ganga-study-news-414114#:~:text=The%20Ganga%20was%20found%20to,2.42%C2%B10.4
05%20MPs%2Fm3
https://www.plasticcollective.co/history-of-plastic-pollution/
https://www.bigelow.org/services/algal-innovation/microplastic-project.htm
l
https://progearthplanetsci.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40645-020-0040
5-4
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361553608_Effects_of_Microplastics_on_Higher
_Plants_A_Review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35638092/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/gch2.201900081
