New Delhi: The microplastics in Yamuna are reportedly leading to widespread contamination and they are also present in open drains and even groundwater.
Ahead of the impending monsoon rain, this has been revealed by a scientific investigation.
Who conducted the study?
The findings of the investigation has been published in the ‘Study on Microplastics in River Yamuna and Groundwater in Delhi (2024-2025), led by Dr. Nupur Bahadur. The Delhi government commissioned the study and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) across 49 locations.
What was found in the study?
Microplastics are particles whose size are less than 5 mm. These particles are persistent and can absorb toxic chemicals which makes them extremely dangerous to the ecology.
According to the study, while the monsoon brought respite to the flowing waters of the Yamuna river, it is also causing a problem by probably shifting the pollution onto land. As a result, the amount of land pollution may soar and they may also seep into the underground water.
In Yamuna, the concentrations of microplastic averaged 6,375 particles per cubic metre before the monsoon period in 2024 (May to June). However, after the rain, it became 3,080 particles per cubic metre in the period between December 2024 and January 2025), which means there was a drop of 50 per cent in the amount of particles.
The danger of microplastics
In open drains, like Najafgarh and Shahdara, the reduction in particles was 60 per cent. It was a decrease from about 7,500 particles per cubic metre to 3,000 particles per cubic metre. According to researchers, the decline took place due to rainfall-driven dilution and flushing.
The water quality improved, but there was also a spike in contamination along riverbanks. In the soil of the riverbank, the concentration of microplastic increased from a pre-monsoon average of 24.5 particles per kg to 104.5 particles per kg after the monsoon.
In 42 sites, groundwater samples revealed stable levels, with the average hovering around 1,200 particles per cubic metre in both seasons. These indicate limited fluctuation for a short term and also confirms there are microplastics in subsurface water. According to the study, there are 10 major vulnerable areas in Delhi. Those areas include Tilak Nagar, Najafgarh, Saket–Vasant Kunj, Karol Bagh, Kalkaji, ITO Barrage, Naraina, Okhla, Bhalswa, and Ghazipur.
Why are those areas vulnerable?
Notably, those places have dense residential clusters, and they also witness heavy industrial activities. Also, they have landfill sites and medical facilities which contribute to the problem. According to the experts, the volumes found were hazardous, despite the fact that there are no specific standard for microplastics in water or soil. They opine that we can consume the toxic through water, food and air also, causing great harm to our body.
Study recommends solutions
According to the study, most of the detected particles, rather almost 95 per cent of them are microfibres. They have been mainly caused by domestic laundry effluents and textile-related sources. The contaminants vary, and they include particles from PET which are used for bottles, HDPE which are used for mugs, containers, etc, and LDPE which are used for polybags, films, etc, among others. The report also recommended solutions to this problem, including dashboard which can monitor real-time plastic pollution. Also, microplastic testing should be carried out every month at major drains, sewage should have advanced filtration upgrades and there should be better treatment plants.
