Microplastic Pollution

 Microplastic Pollution : Recently, surveys conducted by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), through the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), have revealed that abandoned fishing gear and riverine discharges are the major contributors to microplastic pollution along India’s coasts.

o These studies spanned 19 transects along the west coast, from Porbandar (Gujarat) to Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu), and 25 transects on the east coast, from Puri (Odisha) to Thoothukudi (Tamil Nadu).

• About Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments, typically less than 5 mm in size. They are persistent in the environment, highly mobile, and difficult to remove once released into nature

o Types : Primary Microplastics: Intentionally manufactured small plastic particles. Found in products like cosmetics, or released from synthetic textiles (e.g., clothes, fishing nets) during use or washing. Enter the environment through direct release, such as spills during production, abrasion, or consumer use.

ü Secondary Microplastics: Formed when larger plastic items (e.g., bottles, bags) break down due to environmental exposure. Breakdown is caused by factors like sunlight (UV radiation) and ocean wave action.