Study Uncovers Alarming Presence of Microplastics in Delhi's Groundwater

Yamuna River - New Delhi

A groundbreaking study commissioned by the Delhi government unveiled a pressing issue: the alarming presence of microplastics in groundwater samples collected across the sprawling capital. Multiple sources, including the environmental organisation Quit Plastic, have corroborated this significant finding. Furthermore, traces of microplastics have also been identified in water and soil samples from the banks of the Yamuna River, raising immediate concerns about the extent of pollution in the region.

The Delhi government received an interim report detailing the study's findings in November, but they have yet to make the crucial information public. In a city where countless residents depend on borewells for their groundwater supply, and utilise this resource for drinking water and various household purposes, the implications of this study are profound. The Delhi government extracts, treats, and distributes groundwater to help meet the city's increasing demand for drinking water.

Although the study's primary objective was to examine the presence of microplastics in groundwater, the discovery of these particles in Yamuna's water and adjacent soil suggests a concerning link between the river's degradation and groundwater contamination. A source familiar with the study disclosed, "Microplastics were detected in groundwater samples from nearly all 11 districts of Delhi. The government has not objected to these findings, and the next phase of the investigation is underway. A comprehensive final report is expected later this year."

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), microplastics consist of tiny plastic particles or fragments measuring less than 5 mm in diameter. Some of these particles, known as primary microplastics, are manufactured intentionally for industrial and domestic uses, such as the microbeads in many cosmetics and personal care products. Other microplastics arise from the degradation of larger plastic items, which break down into smaller pieces over time.

The UNEP's 2021 report, "From Pollution to Solution", warned about the severe health risks associated with microplastic exposure, particularly for women. The report highlighted potential repercussions, including genetic alterations, disrupted brain development, and compromised respiratory functions, which underlined the importance of immediate action.

Health Concerns

Satish Sinha, the associate director of Toxics Link, a prominent environmental research and advocacy organisation based in Delhi, noted that a 2017 study had already detected microplastics in tap water. "Current water treatment systems are ill-equipped to filter out microplastics, leading to serious health hazards. Furthermore, microplastics can absorb toxic chemicals from their surroundings, rendering them even more dangerous. Presently, there are no established safe limits for microplastics in our water supply," he warned.

Sinha emphasised the importance of transparency, urging the Delhi government to make a report on microplastics in groundwater publicly accessible. Such disclosure could empower the public to take action, facilitate further research, and lead to viable solutions to this growing issue.

In addition to potentially entering the food chain through seafood consumption, microplastics pose a threat to human health in various ways. People may inhale these tiny particles from the air, ingest them through contaminated water, or absorb them through their skin. UNEP's alarming findings reveal the widespread presence of microplastics in human organs, including newborns.

The Delhi government enlisted The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), a respected non-profit organisation engaged in research and advocacy, to conduct this vital study in February 2024. The data pertains to samples collected during the previous year's pre-monsoon period. According to the agreement with TERI, analysis of post-monsoon data will soon follow, yielding further insights into this pressing environmental issue.