Indians consuming salt are ingesting microplastics from waste dumped in seas

Traces of microplastics have been found in sea salt samples across the country

Plastic pollution is a significant concern for ocean ecosystems. Although the amount of plastic discarded into the ocean is hard to measure, estimates reveal that at least 14 million tons of plastic make their way to oceans yearly. Without immediate action, plastic will substantially increase in the next two decades.

The pervasive nature of plastic contamination in the marine world has become a widespread focus recently, with the detection of microplastics (plastic particles smaller than 5 mm) in various aquatic organisms, including fish, mussels, and crustaceans. Now, several studies have detected the presence of microplastics even in Indian sea salts, adding a new layer to the discourse on plastic’s omnipresence in our world.

Although considered virtually indestructible, plastic in the environment does undergo fragmentation due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation and external forces, resulting in mechanical and biological degradation, creating smaller plastic particles. Based on their size, these particles are classified as macro, meso, and microplastics.

Various research groups have analyzed the presence of microplastics in sea salt samples across the country, emphasizing the need to rapidly address plastic pollution while limiting marine-derived products.