Why is it in the news?
Study highlights ecological risks of microplastics in Chennai beaches.
Emphasis on polymer type and ecological impact rather than quantity.
Category: Environment
Important Points:
● Microplastics are plastic particles less than 5 mm in size
● Can extend to nanoplastics (less than 1 micrometer)
● Classified into primary and secondary microplastics
● Primary are intentionally manufactured (microbeads, nurdles)
● Secondary arise from breakdown of larger plastics
● Cause biomagnification in food chain
● Act as carriers of toxins like POPs and heavy metals
● Create AMR hotspots in plastisphere
● Can cross blood-brain and placental barriers
● India introduced EPR 2.0 and QR-based tracking for control