Plastic’s convenience, resilience and versatility have deeply interwoven it into the fabric of our daily lives. However, resilience can be a double-edged sword. Instead of degrading naturally, plastic breaks down into smaller particles (<5mm) called microplastics, which have become omnipresent.
They are in the air we breathe, in our soil, in our water bodies – even in our own bodies. Today, microplastics are commonly found in human circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems, and the fact that they continue to break down into even smaller particles poses severe implications for human health.
Human Health Risks
A study found that microplastics can infiltrate cells, potentially causing cellular damage. Nano plastics, particles smaller than 1 micrometre, are particularly dangerous, as they can penetrate cell membranes and even reach cell nuclei.
The invasion of microplastics into the human body is a growing concern. Researchers have linked their presence to oxidative stress, DNA damage, and the potential for cancer. Lab studies have demonstrated that microplastics can cause oxidative stress in marine animals, which often translates to similar risks for humans.
Another point of alarm is the presence of microplastics in human breast milk and meconium (an infant’s first stool), raising fundamental questions about their effects on reproductive health. In animal studies, microplastics have been shown to impact fertility by reducing sperm count and causing ovarian damage. Although conclusive evidence in humans is still being studied, these findings clearly indicate the grave consequences of plastic usage.
Microplastic in Everyday Life
Microplastics have become disturbingly prevalent in everyday products. A recent study revealed that bottled water can contain up to 240,000 nano plastic particles per litre. Alarmingly, much of this contamination originates from the plastic packaging itself.
Even more concerning, a study by Toxics Link found that microplastics are present in everyday salt and sugar samples in India. Ten varieties of salt and five sugar samples sold in India were tested, revealing microplastic contamination in most samples, whether packaged or unpackaged.
Packaged iodised salt contained the highest levels of microplastic contamination, with concentrations ranging from 6.71 to 89.15 pieces per kilogram of dry weight. The microplastics were found in fibre, pellet, film, and fragment form. The most contaminated samples had microplastic in the form of multi-coloured fibres, including transparent, white, blue, red, and black. Organic salt had the lowest contamination levels, but microplastics were still present.
Sugar samples also showed a concerning level of contamination. The study found that the abundance of microplastics varied across different sugar samples. Among the five tested sugar brands, the highest concentration was detected in Su-1, with 68.25 pieces per kilogram, and the lowest concentration was found in an organic sample, which had 11.85 pieces per kilogram.
These findings highlight that even basic items like salt and sugar, consumed daily, are tainted by microplastics. Indians, with their high consumption of these staples, are exposed to significant amounts of plastic daily, especially from packaged and iodised varieties compared to organic alternatives. As we consume these products, it is inevitable that we also ingest microplastic particles, further embedding these pollutants into our systems
These alarming discoveries have sparked a call for further studies and increased awareness regarding the contamination of common food products by microplastics. It emphasises how ubiquitous these tiny particles have become, impacting not just the oceans but also what we consume daily.
The Global Plastic Crisis
Without action, plastic production could triple by 2060. Yet, some nations are set on a path to increase production rather than reduce it. Despite growing evidence of the harm caused by plastics, international processes aimed at curbing plastic use are often slow-moving. As Richard Thompson, Professor of Marine Biology at the University of Plymouth, (who first used the term “Microplastic”), expressed, it is immensely frustrating to see how solutions are sidelined during global-level negotiations.
He recalls witnessing one delegate hide a single-use plastic bottle behind his back during discussions, illustrating the gap between words and action. The focus must be on reducing global plastic production and ensuring that any plastic we produce is essential, safe and sustainable.
Seeking Solutions
Scientists are investigating plastic-eating microorganisms, like fungi and bacteria, which have shown the potential to degrade certain types of plastic. For example, research found that while none of the tested microbes could break down Polyethene (PE), more than half were able to degrade other plastics such as polyester-polyurethane, polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and polylactic acid (PLA).
Notably, two fungi from the genera Neodevriesia and Lachnellula exhibited the ability to “eat” most of these plastics, except for PE. These organisms represent the potential breakthrough in biologically based plastic degradation.
Further advances come from the discovery of insect larvae Zophobas morio (commonly known as super worms), which can digest polystyrene- a common plastic used in food containers and insulation.
Scientists believe ‘enzymes in the super worms’ gut break down the polystyrene, offering a natural recycling solution that could revolutionise plastic waste management. “Super worms are like mini recycling plants,” notes Dr Chris Rinke from the University of Queensland, suggesting that these larvae could play a critical role in the recycling process.
However, these biological solutions are still in the initial stages and not yet ready to address the global scale of the problem. The broader effect requires individuals, industries, and governments to act. Reducing plastic production—especially single-use plastics—is critical, as continued reliance on fossil fuel-based plastics exacerbates environmental pollution and climate change.
As plastic waste accumulates, it releases greenhouse gases and disrupts marine ecosystems, which are vital for sequestering carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, both crucial for global stability.
Sources
Everywhere we looked we found evidence’: the godfather of microplastics on 20 years of pollution research and the fight for global action
Microplastics in Salt and Sugar
Microplastics found in Indian salt & sugar brands. But they’re everywhere, even in the air we breathe
Microplastics are everywhere: Is it possible to reduce our exposure?
Microplastics Everywhere
Plastic-eating microbes that work in colder temperatures discovered
Plastic-munching superworms offer hope for recycling