Exclusive for Subscribers Daily: Plastic Pollution and BioE3 Policy for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like Road Safety in India and Parliamentary Committees important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for September 10, 2024

 

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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on September 10, 2024

Daily Insights and Initiatives for UPSC Exam Notes: Comprehensive explanations and high-quality material provided regularly for students

 

India tops plastic pollution rankings, emitting a fifth of global plastic waste

For Preliminary Examination:  Current events of national and international importance

For Mains Examination: GS III - Environment & ecology

Context:

India is now the biggest plastic polluter in the world, releasing 9.3 million tonnes (Mt) annually. This amounts to roughly one-fifth of global plastic emissions.

 

Read about:

What is a microplastic?

What is nanoparticle?

Key takeaways:

 

Microplastics refer to tiny plastic particles, usually less than 5 millimeters in diameter, that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items or are produced as small particles in products like cosmetics, clothing, and industrial processes. They are a major environmental concern due to their persistence, widespread distribution, and impact on ecosystems

Key Aspects of Microplastics:

• Primary microplastics: These are manufactured as small particles, such as microbeads in personal care products or fibers from synthetic textiles.
• Secondary microplastics: These originate from the degradation of larger plastic products like bottles, bags, and fishing nets due to exposure to sunlight, ocean waves, and other environmental factors
• Marine pollution: Microplastics have been found in oceans, rivers, and even in polar regions, severely affecting marine life. Fish, birds, and marine mammals often mistake them for food, leading to ingestion and potential poisoning.
• Soil contamination: Microplastics are also found in agricultural soils due to the use of plastic mulch and sewage sludge. This can affect soil health and potentially enter the food chain.
• Microplastics have been found in drinking water, food, and even the air. While the full extent of their impact on human health is still under research, there are concerns about toxicity and the chemicals associated with plastics entering the human body
• Some countries have introduced bans on products containing microplastics, such as microbeads in cosmetics.
• International efforts are underway to reduce plastic pollution, including commitments to reduce single-use plastics and improve waste management systems