Fishing gear and riverine inputs are major sources of microplastic contamination along Indian coasts
Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that 'riverine inputs' and abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) are the primary sources of microplastic pollution along India's coasts. Field surveys by the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) confirmed this, covering transects along both east and west coasts. Microplastics, tiny plastic particles ranging from 1 micrometre to 5 millimetres, are a major concern due to their increasing links to tumors and toxicity to marine and aquatic life. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has commissioned a project to assess microplastic contamination in food products.
Key Points
- Riverine inputs and abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) are identified as major sources of microplastic pollution on Indian coasts.
- Surveys by the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) confirmed these findings across India's east and west coasts.
- Microplastics are tiny plastic particles (1 micrometre to 5 millimetres) formed from primary sources or breakdown of larger plastics.
- A significant concern is the increasing link between microplastics and tumors, and their toxicity to marine and aquatic life.
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is investigating microplastic contamination in food products.
Exam Facts
- Union Minister of State for Science and Technology: Jitendra Singh.
- National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) conducted surveys.
- Microplastics range in size from 1 micrometre to 5 millimetres.
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) commissioned a project to assess microplastic contamination in food products.
- Toxics Link tested 10 types of salt and sugar samples for microplastics.
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