Analysis by NGO reveals micro plastics in Ganga

Subject: Environment

Context : The study, ‘Quantitative analysis of Microplastics along River Ganga’, conducted by the Delhi-based environment NGO, Toxics Link.

Concept :

The study notes pollution by microplastics all along the stretches of the river Ganga.
The study attributes this observation to the poor state of solid and liquid waste management in the surrounding areas.
Untreated sewage from many cities along the river’s course, industrial waste and religious offerings wrapped in non-degradable plastics pile pollutants into the river as it flows through several densely populated cities. These plastic products dumped in the river break down and are eventually broken down into microparticles.
The study notes the presence of both single-use and secondary plastic products with at least 40 different kinds of polymers as microplastics in the studied samples.
Microbeads were observed along some stretches of the Ganga.
Microbeads are manufactured small solid particles and do not degrade or dissolve in water. They are added to a range of products, including rinse-off cosmetics, personal care and cleaning products.
Microbeads are a relatively cheap ingredient and are used in these products for a variety of purposes. This includes as an abrasive or exfoliant, a bulking agent, to prolong shelf-life, or for the controlled release of active ingredients.

Microplastics:

Microplastics are defined as synthetic solid particles sized ranging from 1 micrometre to 5 millimetres (mm), which are insoluble in water.
Microplastics come in a large variety of sizes, colours and chemical compositions, and include fibres, fragments, pellets, flakes, sheets or foams.