Preventing Microplastic Pollution in Surface Waters: Legal Frameworks and Strategic Actions

Abstract

Microplastic contamination of surface water is another looming environmental issue driven by fast industrialization, urbanization, and the rampant use of plastics. Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm in size, and there are a variety of origins, including broken pieces of plastic waste, synthetic fibers, or industrial effluents. They are one of the pollutants that pose significant threats to aquatic ecosystems and human well-being because they carry toxic substances, disrupt aquatic food webs, and degrade water quality. This situation led India to formulate a series of regulatory frameworks for the reduction of plastic pollution. Other important policies are the 2016 Plastic Waste Management Rules, with a focus on recyclability and reduction of plastic waste at the source level, and the 2022 countrywide single-use plastic ban, which targets the spread of high-volume plastics that lead to microplastic pollution. India also works with international groups like the Global Partnership on Marine Litter and has integrated EPR into its plastic waste management to make it more long-lasting. In some states, incomplete or nonexistent waste management infrastructure and a lack of specific legislation on microplastics combine to raise concerns about enforcement. This review discusses the source and implications of microplastic contamination in the surface water, evaluates the effectiveness of the current legal regime, and highlights what could be done to strengthen the legislation and reduce microplastic contamination. Strengthened surveillance, state-of-the-art wastewater treatment technology, and awareness programs are essential before such elements can prevent the entry of microplastic contaminants and protect water bodies.