ICMR Study Exposes Microplastic Pollution in Bhopal's Treated Sewage Water
Despite undergoing treatment processes, sewage water in Bhopal remains contaminated with microplastic particles, according to a recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The research indicates that treated effluent carries between 10 and 15 microplastic particles in every litre, while residual sludge contains 7 to 9 particles per gram. These findings highlight a significant environmental and public health concern for the city.
Invisible Plastic Particles from Everyday Sources
The microplastics identified in the sewage are not visible to the naked eye and originate from common household waste. They include polyethylene and polypropylene derived from packaging materials, as well as polyester and PET fibers that shed from synthetic clothing during washing cycles. This demonstrates how everyday items are bypassing sewage treatment systems and entering the natural environment.
Limitations of Current Sewage Treatment Technology
Three of Bhopal's sewage treatment plants utilize Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) technology, which was analyzed in the study. While SBRs are effective at removing organic waste, they are not designed to filter out microplastics. Consequently, treated water continues to discharge these particles into rivers and wetlands, spreading contamination.
Environmental and Health Risks of Microplastic Contamination
Experts emphasize that this issue extends beyond technical shortcomings. Microplastics pose serious threats as they can be ingested by fish and aquatic organisms, mix into soil when sludge is repurposed for agriculture, and even become airborne dust particles. Over time, these particles can infiltrate the food chain and ultimately reach humans, leading to potential health hazards.
Bhopal Municipal Corporation's Response and Upgrades
Earlier this year, the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced upgrades to its Arera Hills laboratory to enhance water safety monitoring. BMC city engineer Udit Garg explained that the new facility will enable detection of sewage-borne bacteria, such as Hypobacteria—linked to previous contamination concerns in Indore—and will also screen for microplastics in the water supply. The Arera Hills filtration plant lab is the only NABL-accredited facility under BMC, underscoring its importance in addressing this growing environmental issue.
Human Health Impacts and Previous ICMR Findings
Microplastics have severe implications for human health, as highlighted in another ICMR study released two years prior. Through various exposure routes, microplastics can invade the human body and trigger a cascade of pathophysiological effects. These may contribute to disorders including sleep disturbances, obesity, cancer, Parkinson's disease, and other conditions, raising alarms about long-term consequences.
Threat to Bhopal's Critical Water Sources
The study particularly raises concerns for the Bhoj wetland and Upper Lake, which supply drinking water to approximately 40 percent of Bhopal's population. Contamination from microplastics in treated sewage could compromise these vital water resources, emphasizing the urgent need for improved filtration methods and regulatory measures to safeguard public health and the environment.
