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Could Microplastics Be the Reason for the High Gallbladder Cancer Incidence in Northern India?
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Researchers explored whether microplastic contamination in the river Ganges could be contributing to the unusually high rates of gallbladder cancer along northern India's Gangetic belt. They reviewed existing literature on the potential carcinogenic effects of microplastics and noted strong circumstantial evidence linking pollution levels to cancer incidence in the region. The authors emphasize that no proven association exists yet and call for extensive further studies.
Abstract India accounts for more than 15% of all gallbladder cancer (GBC) diagnosed worldwide, with around 21,000 new cases diagnosed in 2022. However, a large proportion of these cases are concentrated along the banks of river Ganges flowing through northern and northeastern parts of India. GBC incidence in the Gangetic belt is around 10 times more than the rates reported from the rest of the country. In our article, we evaluated the various factors responsible for this geographic disparity and propose microplastic contamination of the river Ganges as the possible etiology for increased GBC prevalence along the Gangetic belt. Here, we attempted to describe existing literature on the harmful effects of microplastics particularly focusing on its carcinogenic potential. Although no proven association exists between GBC and microplastics, we believe there is strong circumstantial evidence to support this claim. However. extensive studies on the role of microplastics in GBC pathophysiology should be performed before any conclusion can be made on its carcinogenic potential.
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Researchers measured microplastic contamination along the Ganges River from the India-Bangladesh border to the Meghna Estuary in Bangladesh. They found microplastics at every sampling point, with higher concentrations downstream, indicating pollution accumulates as the river flows through populated areas. The overall pollution level was rated higher than other studies in Bangladesh, raising concerns for the millions of people who depend on this water.
Microplastic Contamination in Aquatic Biota: a Comparative Study of Fish Species from the Ganga and Gomti Rivers
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Scientists found tiny plastic fibers, mostly from packaging, clothing, and household items, in the gills and guts of fish from India's Ganga and Gomti rivers, with some fish species absorbing more than others. Since these fish are commonly eaten, this suggests people may be unknowingly consuming microplastics through their diet, and the study found some of these plastics carry metals and pose real risks to aquatic life, highlighting the need for better plastic waste management to protect both ecosystems and the food supply.
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This review documents the growing problem of microplastic pollution in the Ganges River in India, finding that the river is heavily contaminated with plastic particles from urban and industrial sources, threatening one of the world's most ecologically and culturally important waterways.
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Researchers quantified microplastics at 19 sites across the upper Himalayan Ganga River over six months, finding concentrations of 100–1,550 particles per liter in water and rising contamination levels downstream toward densely populated cities, with fibers, polyethylene, and post-monsoon conditions dominating the pollution profile.
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This review examines microplastic pollution in India's Ganga River, which sustains hundreds of millions of people, identifying sources from industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and inadequate waste management. Microplastics in the river threaten aquatic life through ingestion and bioaccumulation and ultimately affect the communities that rely on the river for drinking water and food. The study calls for comprehensive management strategies to protect both ecological and public health.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.