New study shows microplastic pollution could double by 2040 further deepening ecological crisis

Microplastics, tiny plastic particles have grown common in the environment, infiltrating our air, food, water, and even our skin.

These tiny particles are either created specifically for commercial usage, such as cosmetics or plastic pellets, or they are the result of bigger polymers breaking down into smaller bits.

Over the last two decades, the environmental and health dangers associated with microplastics have received a lot of attention, with research revealing that these particles are now present in almost every ecosystem on the planet, from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains.

As marine biologist Richard C. Thompson, a professor at the University of Plymouth, UK, points out, plastic contamination is pervasive, affecting ecosystems worldwide.

Thompson’s research, published in Science in September 2024, reveals that over 10 million to 40 million tonnes of microplastics enter the environment each year.

With current trends, this number could double by 2040, worsening the already alarming ecological impacts.

The persistence of these particles in the environment makes them nearly impossible to remove, creating long-term ecological challenges whose full scope remains uncertain.

Microplastics have now been classified as "contaminants of emerging concern" (CECs). This designation refers to substances that are either newly introduced or are becoming more widely recognized for their potential harm to human health and ecosystems.

Other CECs include pharmaceuticals, personal care products, nanoparticles, and toxic chemicals like PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances).

These substances, often poorly regulated, pose significant risks that are only beginning to be understood.

Microplastics have been found in nearly every environment—on coastal shores, deep-sea sediments, rivers, lakes, and even the air we breathe.

A particularly shocking finding is the presence of microplastics on Mount Everest, one of the world's most remote and pristine locations.

This demonstrates that microplastics are not only a problem for marine environments but are pervasive across the globe, from urban areas to the most extreme, untouched regions.

The movement and accumulation of microplastics within ecosystems are tracked through a framework known as the "microplastic cycle," which integrates environmental chemistry, biology, and human health.

This growing body of research offers a clearer understanding of how these particles travel, accumulate, and impact the organisms they come into contact with.

In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) launched a project in 2024 to assess microplastic contamination levels in the country.

This initiative seeks to establish protocols for analyzing microplastics in food, comparing findings across laboratories, and formulating safety standards to mitigate potential public health risks.

As part of the study, microplastics were found in common foods such as salt and sugar.

The Toxics Link environmental research group highlighted that iodized salt, widely consumed in India, showed particularly high levels of contamination.

Microplastic particles found in these products varied in size, color, and shape, with smaller particles (0.1–0.3 mm and 0.3–1 mm) being more common.

These tiny particles are harder to remove and are more likely to be ingested by both humans and animals.

As Satish Sinha, Associate Director of Toxics Link, explains, these particles, often composed of various resins, can act as endocrine disruptors, which may lead to a range of health problems, including cancer, neurotoxicity, and reproductive issues.

Microplastics’ presence in marine environments is perhaps the most alarming, as they are often ingested by marine animals, leading to a cascade of negative effects.

Research from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay found that Indian sea salts are heavily contaminated with microplastics.

In marine life, microplastics have been found in higher concentrations in marine sediments than in seawater or organisms themselves.

Studies conducted by IIT Madras also indicated that household activities, such as laundry washing, using personal care products, and even wearing face masks, contribute significantly to microplastic pollution, which eventually makes its way into the oceans.

The biological impacts of microplastics on marine life are well-documented. A study published in Nature in 2024 found that zebrafish exposed to polyisobutylene microplastics experienced significant deformities, including delayed hatching and impaired swimming abilities.

Furthermore, the ingestion of these particles caused intestinal damage, highlighting the potential long-term health risks for marine organisms.

For humans, microplastics have been found in breast milk, blood, and even organs like the brain, liver, and lungs.

Recent studies suggest that these particles can cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to neurological damage.

Research has linked microplastic exposure to various health issues, such as oxidative stress, DNA damage, immune system disruption, and developmental toxicity.

Long-term exposure to these particles could contribute to chronic diseases, including cancer.

The scale of the microplastic problem is daunting. These particles break down into harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and brominated flame retardants, which disrupt the endocrine system and contribute to a host of health problems.

According to a study by Columbia University, bottled water can contain an average of 240,000 microplastic particles per liter, illustrating the pervasive nature of the problem.

Experts like Professor Oliver Jones from RMIT University in Australia argue that standardized research methods are essential to ensure accurate data on microplastic contamination.

Jones also emphasizes the importance of reducing exposure by avoiding plastic packaging, choosing alternatives to bottled water, and regularly cleaning homes to prevent microplastic buildup.

Ultimately, we are no longer just consumers of plastic; we are victims of its widespread contamination.

Microplastics pose a significant threat to both the environment and human health, and urgent action is required to mitigate their impact.

As research continues to uncover the full extent of the crisis, it is crucial for governments, industries, and individuals to take proactive measures to combat microplastic pollution before its effects become irreversible.