Microplastics in India: A Review of Chemical Perspectives and Finding the Antidote in Policies

The world grapples with an overwhelming burden of plastic pollution, as evidenced by its annual production exceeding 430 million tonnes. Alarming statistics reveal that two-thirds of this production comprises short-lived items that swiftly transform into waste, inundating our oceans and, alarmingly, infiltrating the human food chain (source: UNEP). The relentless influx of microplastics, estimated at an annual emission rate of 3 million tonnes and an accumulated ocean floor presence of 14 million tonnes, poses a grave threat in our rapidly evolving world. It disrupts the everyday functioning of both humans and other organisms, while also wreaking havoc on our natural environment and its crucial components. This review article illuminates the extensive research conducted to shed spotlight on this particular menace in a distinctive geographical context, namely India. It zooms in on the ramifications for water bodies and coastline pollution, which have created a cascade of problems for both the environment and the local biodiversity. Towards its conclusion, the article underscores policy recommendations put forth by esteemed organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), along with the corresponding actions taken by countries in alignment with these recommendations. Moreover, the article meticulously synthesizes qualitative and quantitative data extracted from a myriad of research and review articles, with a particular emphasis on the topography of India. In summary, this review article sheds light on the pressing issue of plastic pollution, with a special focus on microplastics, and its repercussions on the distinctive landscape of India. It underscores the significance of policy decisions and their effective implementation to address this urgent environmental crisis. Plastic pollution remains a global challenge, necessitating collective efforts at both national and international levels to mitigate its far-reaching consequences.