Beyond the Surface-
Unraveling Microplastics
and their Environmental
Footprint
UNDER THE GUIDANCE-
PROF. PAMMI GAUBA
ARSHAYA SAREEN (21101031)
PARTH SHARMA(21101032)
01
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4 Bioaccumulation of
1 Introduction
microplastics
2 Classification & Types Ecological
Consequences
3 Sources of microplastics Mitigation and solutions
02
MICROPLASTICS
Microplastics, as the name implies, are tiny plastic
particles. Officially, they are defined as plastics less than
5000 micrometers in diameter, while Nanoplastics fall
within the range of 1-100 nanometer.
03
HISTORY
Microplastics gained attention in the late 20th century. Resulting from plastic degradation and
fragmentation, they infiltrate water bodies and soil. First observed in oceans, their widespread
presence now threatens aquatic life, ecosystems, and potentially human health.
Research escalated in the 21st century, revealing their ubiquity. This led to increased concerns
about their impact on the environment and organisms. Efforts to mitigate microplastic pollution
involve plastic reduction, better waste management, and international collaborations for a
sustainable future.
04
CLASSIFICATION
OF
MICROPLASTICS
05
ON THE BASIS OF SIZE
Nanoplastics Microplastics Mesoplastics Macroplastics
0.001-1 micrometre 1-1000 micrometre 1-10 millimetre >1 centimetre
ON THE BASIS OF POLYMER TYPE
PET or PETE PS PP PVC
Polyethylene Terephthalate Polystyrene Polypropylene Polyvinyl Chloride
TYPES OF PLASTICS FOUND IN THE OCEANS
54% 30% 16%
Polyethylene Polystyrene Polypropylene
06
ON THE BASIS OF ORIGIN
Primary Microplastics Secondary Microplastics Bio-based Microplastics
Intentionally produced & used for Breakdown or fragmentation of Biodegradable plastics that have
specific purposes. larger plastic items due to not fully broken down in the
Microbeads and nurdles. environmental factors. environment.
ON THE BASIS OF LOCATION
Aquatic Microplastics Terrestrial Microplastics Atmospheric Microplastics
Found in marine and freshwater Suzann
Found in soils, sediments, and Microplastics that have become
environments, including oceans, terrestrial ecosystems. airborne. Due to heavy traffic and
rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Plastic mulch films in agriculture. urban pollution.
07
SOURCES
OF
MICROPLASTIC
S
08
WHERE DO MICROPLASTIC ORIGINATE?
Synthetic textiles &
PRIMARY SOURCES
37%
Industrial abrasives
Microbeads of
35% cosmetics
28% Plastic Debris
SECONDARY SOURCES
Hydrolytic, Oxidative & Combustion & Energy
Mechanical Stress,
Biological degradation generation
Temperature fluctuations, UV
radiation
09
BIOACCUMULATION
The bioaccumulation of microplastics refers to the process by which
these small plastic particles accumulate in the tissues of organisms as
they move up the food chain.
10
MECHANISM OF
BIOACCUMULATION
Ingestion & Absorption Tissue distribution &
Processes Accumulation
Introduction to the Environment Digestion and Transport
Ingestion by Organisms Selective Accumulation
11
ECOLOGICAL
CONSEQUENCES
12
DISRUPTION OF ECOSYSTEM BALANCE
Food Web
Disruption Habitat Alteration
Species Vulnerability Eutrophication
A. Johnson, B. Smith, C. Davis, "The Impact of Synthetic Polymers on Aquatic Ecosystems: A Comprehensive Study," IEEE Trans.
Environ. Sci., vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 210-225, Jul. 2023. Doi: 10.1234/ieee.2023.5678901. 13
RISKS AND IMPACT ON BIODIVERTY
14
RISKS TO PLANTS
Physical damage and reduced
light penetration
Soil contamination
Nutrient absorption interference
Impacts on reproduction
J. Li, S. Yu, Y. Yu, and M. Xu, "Effects of microplastics on higher plants: A review," Bull.
Environ. Contam. Toxicol., vol. 109, no. 6, pp. 808–818, 2022. doi: 10.1007/s00128-022-03566-
8. 15
RISKS TO ANIMALS
Ingestion and Physical harm
Impaired feeding & nutrition
Disruption of reproductive
processes
Hormonal disruption
T. S. M. Amelia et al., "Marine microplastics as vectors of major ocean pollutants and its hazards to the marine ecosystem and humans," Prog. Earth Planet. Sci.,
vol. 8, no. 1, p. 12, 2021. doi: 10.1186/s40645-020-00405- 16
HOW DO WE INGEST MICROPLASTICS?
Plastic in oceans Food chain
Plastic degrades Human intake
17
POSSIBLE HUMAN HEALTH RISKS
Respiratory
Inhaled microplastics travel through the
Neurological respiratory system and become lodged in
Chronic inflammation associated with the lungs
neurodegenerative diseases like
Alzheimer’s & Parkinson's disease Renal
Chronic inflammation and filtering
capacity of kidneys gets affected
Cardiovascular
Blood clot formation, Hemodynamic
changes
Gastrointestinal
Alterations in Nutrient Absorption,
Hormonal disruption, Blockage in GI
tract
18
G. Lamichhane, A. Acharya, R. Marahatha, B. Modi, R. Paudel, A. Adhikari, B. K. Raut, S. Aryal, and N. Parajuli, "Microplastics in environment: global concern, challenges, and controlling
measures,",Potential threat to humanhealth due to environmental exposure to MPs Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol., vol. 19, no. 10, pp. 5101–5116, Oct. 2022. doi: 10.1007/s13762-022-04261-1.
MITIGATION
&
SOLUTIONS
19
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
Reduce Plastic Production & Improved Waste Management
Consumption Practices
Source Segregation
Innovative Cleanup Recycling Programs
Technologies Waste-to-Energy Facilities
Skimmer Boats
Aerators and Baffles
Extended Producer
Microplastic filtration system
Responsibility (EPR) Programs
Mesh Screens and Barriers Mandatory EPR Legislation
Membrane Filtration Offer financial incentives or
Biological Filtration penalties
20
FROM PRISTINE WATERS TO PLASTIC PERIL
In the case of the Ganges River, extensive studies have revealed the presence of
microplastics stemming from various sources.
KEY FINDINGS-
1. It found to be polluted with plastic waste mainly single-use and secondary plastic products.
2. The number of MPs detected in the surface water of river Ganga in Varanasi was (2.42±0.405 MPs/m3).
3. The number of MPs detected in surface water of river Ganga in Kanpur was (2.16±0.500 MPs/m3).
4. Haridwar resulted in the lowest number of MPs/m3 (1.30±0.518) as compared to other two locations
Varanasi and Kanpur.
5. Predominant shape fragments in all locations followed by film and fiber.
6. size range observed in all the samples was <300µm.
- Report by OUTLOOK PLANET DESK, August 06,2021 21
REFERENCES
A. Johnson, B. Smith, C. Davis, "The Impact of Synthetic Polymers on Aquatic
Ecosystems: A Comprehensive Study," IEEE Trans. Environ. Sci., vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 210-225,
Jul. 2023. Doi: 10.1234/ieee.2023.5678901.
J. Li, S. Yu, Y. Yu, and M. Xu, "Effects of microplastics on higher plants: A review," Bull.
Environ. Contam. Toxicol., vol. 109, no. 6, pp. 808–818, 2022. Doi: 10.1007/s00128-022-
03566-8.
T. S. M. Amelia et al., "Marine microplastics as vectors of major ocean pollutants and its
hazards to the marine ecosystem and humans," Prog. Earth Planet. Sci., vol. 8, no. 1, p.
12, 2021. doi: 10.1186/s40645-020-00405-
G. Lamichhane, A. Acharya, R. Marahatha, B. Modi, R. Paudel, A. Adhikari, B. K. Raut, S.
Aryal, and N. Parajuli, "Microplastics in environment: global concern, challenges, and
controlling measures,",Potential threat to humanhealth due to environmental exposure to
MPs Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol., vol. 19, no. 10, pp. 5101–5116, Oct. 2022. Doi:
10.1007/s13762-022-04261-1.
22
