Context: Microplastic Pollution
Study on Chennai coast shows microplastics are present in low quantity but still pose high ecological risk, especially to marine life and humans.
What is microplastic
• Very small plastic particles (<5 mm)
• Formed from breakdown of larger plastics or released from synthetic fibres, fishing nets, clothes
Key Points
• Chennai beaches have low abundance but high risk
• Dominant type → nylon fibres (more harmful)
• Marine organisms ingest microplastics → digestive damage
• Plastics carry toxins, bacteria → enter food chain
• Affect hormonal & immune systems in humans
• Sources → fishing gear, synthetic clothes, sewage, tourism
• Can alter seabed structure and marine ecosystems
• Problem still manageable → needs waste management + awareness
