Microplastics
Why in news?
Studies reveal microplastics in natural environments are colonized by pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, posing health risks beyond ingestion.
Definition and Sources
- Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters, originating from the breakdown of larger plastics and from manufactured products like microbeads and synthetic fibers.
- They enter the environment from diverse sources including cosmetics, textiles, food packaging, industrial discharge, and improper waste disposal.​
- Microplastics contaminate marine and terrestrial ecosystems, affecting water, soil, and air quality.​
- Microplastics can carry toxic chemical additives and adsorb environmental pollutants, posing potential risks when ingested by animals and humans.​
- Emerging evidence suggests that microplastics disrupt cellular membranes, cause oxidative stress, and may lead to inflammation and organ damage in humans.​
