Plastic Pollution from River to Ocean: A Comprehensive Review in Indian Scenario

Shubham Shivhare; Atul Sharma

Abstract

Plastic represents a substantial environmental hazard, contributing to contamination of terrestrial,aquatic, and atmospheric ecosystems. This category comprises a diverse range of polymers. In the formof microplastics and nanoplastics, it can induce toxicity in water bodies. Plastic debris not onlyphysically pollutes freshwater, but also chemically, undergoing changes over time due to hydroclimaticeffects. Rivers serve as conduits, transporting plastics from minor tributaries to major rivers andultimately into the ocean, endangering marine life. India, as a developing country with the largestpopulation and numerous rivers, generates a significant amount of plastic waste, a substantial portionof which finds its way into rivers, leading to alarming rates of plastic accumulation in the ocean.Previously, policymakers focused primarily on landfills for plastic waste, neglecting the pollution ofwater bodies. The consequences of this neglect are evident, with major rivers in the country severelyaffected by plastic waste, necessitating advanced, efficient, and sustainable solutions. This study aimsto establish a comprehensive framework for managing plastic waste, understanding its transportmechanisms to the ocean, and recognizing the threats it poses to life. It also expounds on harmful plasticpollutants in water, globally adopted technologies, and emphasizes the need for further research anddata collection in this field. The primary concluding point is to prevent plastics from entering waterwaysand to actively collect river and marine plastic pollution. Banning single-use plastics and implementingefficient collection methods are crucial in containing plastic pollution. Effluents from industries shouldnot be overlooked, as they often contain harmful micro and nanoplastics with ecotoxicological effects.The innovative concept of the "4Rs" - Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle-stands as the cornerstone forsafeguarding the environment against plastic pollution.