Study finds pervasive presence of microplastics in testicles of humans & canines.
Findings of Study
Humans are potentially exposed to microplastics through oral intake, inhalation, and skin contact.
The effects of microplastics consist of oxidative stress, DNA damage, organ dysfunction, metabolic disorder, immune response, neurotoxicity, as well as reproductive and developmental toxicity. Menace of Plastic Pollution
In 2024, the global Plastic Overshoot Day (POD) was projected to occur on September 5.
POD marks the point in time when the amount of plastic waste generated exceeds the world’s capacity to manage it, resulting in environmental pollution.
China, India, the United States, and Japan will account for 51 percent of this volume, according to the 2024 POD Report by EA Earth Action.
India will be the second leading polluter of water bodies, after China in the world.
A 2023 report by the Nordic Council of Ministers indicated that without global action, the annual levels of mismanaged plastics would continue to rise and could almost double from 110 million tonnes (Mt) in 2019 to 205 Mt by 2040. What is Plastic and Microplastics?
The word plastic is derived from the Greek word plastikos, meaning “capable of being shaped or molded.”
Plastic refers to a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that use polymers as a main ingredient with their defining quality being their plasticity – the ability of a solid material to undergo permanent deformation in response to applied forces.
This makes them extremely adaptable, and capable of being shaped as per requirement.
The basic building blocks of plastics are monomers, which are small molecules that can join together to form long chains called polymers through a process called polymerization.
Microplastics: Plastics break down into their smaller units called microplastics – officially defined as plastics less than five millimeters in diameter.
These microplastics find their way across the planet, from the depths of the Pacific Ocean to the heights of the Himalayas.
According to the most recent global estimates, an average human consumes at least 50,000 microplastic particles annually due to contamination of the food chain, potable water, and air. Environmental Concerns of Microplastics
Marine Pollution: Microplastics enter oceans through various pathways, including direct disposal, runoff from land, and fragmentation of larger plastic debris.
Marine organisms ingest microplastics, leading to physical harm, blockages in digestive systems, and potential transfer of toxins up the food chain.
Freshwater Contamination: Microplastics are also found in freshwater environments, such as rivers, lakes, and streams.
Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification: Microplastics have the potential to accumulate in the tissues of organisms through processes like ingestion and adsorption. Page No.:- 42 Current Affairs –June 2024 • As predators consume prey containing microplastics, these contaminants biomagnify, reaching higher concentrations in organisms at the top of the food chain, including humans.
Habitat Degradation: Microplastic’s presence interferes with nutrient cycling, sediment stability, and the behavior of organisms.
In some cases, microplastics create microenvironments that favor the growth of harmful bacteria or invasive species, further disrupting ecosystem dynamics.
Global Distribution: Microplastics have been detected in diverse environments worldwide, including remote and pristine locations far from major sources of plastic pollution.
Their global distribution highlights the pervasive nature of plastic contamination and underscores the need for coordinated international efforts to address this issue.
Effect on Human Health: Notably, microplastics contain several toxic chemicals that pose severe risks to human health. The biggest health risk associated is with the chemical BPA or Bisphenol A, which is used to harden the plastic.
BPA contaminates food and drinks, causing alterations in liver function, insulin resistance, fetal development in pregnant women, the reproductive system, and brain function. India’s Efforts In Tackling Plastic Waste
Ban on single-use plastics: India has banned the production, use, and sale of single-use plastics such as bags, cups, plates, cutlery, and straws in many states.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): The Indian government has implemented EPR, making plastic manufacturers responsible for managing and disposing of the waste generated by their products.
Plastic Waste Management Rules: India introduced the Plastic Waste Management Rules in 2016, which provide a framework for managing plastic waste through various measures, including recycling and waste-to-energy initiatives.
Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022:
The guidelines on EPR(Extended Producer Responsibility) coupled with the prohibition of identified single-use plastic items.
It banned the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of carry bags made of virgin or recycled plastic less than seventy-five micrometers.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: The Indian government launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, a national cleanliness campaign, which includes the collection and disposal of plastic waste.
Plastic Parks: The government has set up Plastic Parks, which are specialized industrial zones for recycling and processing plastic waste.
Beach clean-up drives: The Indian government and various non-governmental organizations have organized beach clean-up drives to collect and dispose of plastic waste from beaches.
India is a signatory to MARPOL (International Convention on Prevention of Marine Pollution).
The “India Plastic Challenge – Hackathon 2021
It is a unique competition calling upon start-ups /entrepreneurs and students of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to develop innovative solutions to mitigate plastic pollution and develop alternatives to single-use plastics.
