Analysis of water samples taken from the industrial section of the Periyar Edayar river conducted by the School of Environmental Studies at Mahatma Gandhi University found the presence of microplastics in the categories of fiber, fragment, film, and foams that appear in blue, yellow and transparent colors.
The analysis was carried out according to the recommendations made by the amicable committee established by the Ceral Pollution Council to probate the impact of plastic dumping at the site of the now extinct SERE SAKTHI paper in the industrial area of Edayar. The panel was established according to the direction issued by the National Court Green Tribunal, which issued instructions for the site to release from any contamination.
The unit was closed in 2016 after the Council for Control of Pollution found that the untreated waste water was discharged from the industrial unit into the river. The industry was placed on 8.75 acres and about 81 cents was used for plastic waste and the ashes of the combustion ash generated from the processes.
According to the report provided by School of Environmental Studies, Mahatma Gandhi University, microplastic analysis of two samples taken from the opposite place and Pathalam revealed microplastic categories that include foam (materials similar to fungi), fragment (irregular pieces of plastic) and thin, folk plastic pieces). The analytical report showed the presence of micro plastic in water and soil samples.
The Committee noted that no comparison with regard to the lack of standard with regard to the level of screening or response is possible to assess microplastic contamination. It concluded that there was no globally standardized, permissible limit for microplastics in the soil. The panel stated that the determination of the generally accepted threshold remains a complex challenge due to various factors.
Published – 9 September 2025 20:36
