Residential Activities Linked to Microplastic Surge in Oceans: IIT Madras Report

A review by IIT Madras has identified residential buildings as significant, previously unnoticed sources of microplastic pollution.

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The review explores the role of daily household activities in generating microplastics, including the use of personal care products, laundry washing, and face mask usage.

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It emphasizes that these activities contribute to municipal wastewater, which is a major contributor to microplastic pollution.

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The review team comprised Ms. Angel Jessueleena, Ms. Kiruthika Eswari Velmaiel, Ms. Anju Anna John, Prof. Indumathi M. Nambi from the Department of Civil Engineering, and Ms. Sasikaladevi Rathinavelu from the Department of Biotechnology at IIT Madras.

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Their findings were published in the journal Environmental Science and Pollution Research.

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The review highlights the lack of standardized methods for reporting microplastic concentrations, despite numerous studies on microbeads in personal care products.

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It estimates that toothpaste usage in India alone could release 1.4 billion microplastics annually.

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Current global estimates suggest that between 4.88 to 12.7 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year, with projections indicating this could surpass the total biomass of fish by 2050.

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The review recommends source reduction strategies, including replacing personal care products with biodegradable materials, reducing plastic-based product usage, and incorporating efficient filters in laundry machines.

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