A Study on Microplastic Pollution in Chennai and its Newer Advanced Removal Technologies

Abstract

The threat posed by Micro plastic pollution has become an environment concern at a global level and particularly Chennai which is growing as a most popular industrialised city in India is affected at a larger level due to this pollution. This research paper is aimed at investigating the health impacts, sources and removal technologies of Micro plastic which is operational in Chennai with recommendations of newer and advanced technologies for the removal and elimination of the threat posed by Micro plastic. Studies have exposed that most of this pollutant has its source from industrial discharge, textile industry and domestic waste. This paper also emphasises on the harmful effects of Micro plastic on the human health like the induction of inflammation and endocrine disruption by its toxicity mechanism and various pathways through which people are exposed to this pollutant such as contaminated drinking water and seafood. A comparison between the conventional treatment methods and newer advanced technologies shows significant improvements in filtration of Micro plastic as observed in newer technologies which can be adopted in the city of Chennai to mitigate the problem of Micro plastic. The newly introduced Wasser 3.0 PE-X® technology is an innovative process which uses a filter less “clump and skim” procedure for the removal which has demonstrated high removal efficacy and more cost effective than the conventional methods being used and this paper also explores other emerging technologies like the membrane filtration and advanced oxidation processes. By studying these newer technologies this paper explores the practical application of these advanced removal technologies in the Chennai’s water treatment plants, plastic manufacturing units and textile industries. This research concludes by stressing the urgent requirement for adaptation of advanced Micro plastic removal technologies along with stricter regulations on plastic disposal and production more importantly organising frequently public awareness campaigns to combat this pervasive health and environmental threat in Chennai.

Introduction

Microplastic pollution, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5mm, is a major environmental concern due to its persistence and harmful effects on aquatic ecosystems and human health. Chennai, a rapidly urbanizing city in Tamil Nadu, India, faces significant challenges managing plastic waste, leading to elevated microplastic contamination in its rivers, lakes, groundwater, and coastal areas.

• Sources and Presence: Studies show high concentrations of microplastics in Chennai’s water bodies, including the Adyar, Cooum, and Kosasthalaiyar rivers; urban lakes like Red Hills and Chembarambakkam; groundwater near landfill sites; and coastal regions such as Marina Beach and Kovalam. Major sources include improper domestic wastewater disposal, industrial effluents (textile, cosmetics, tanneries), fishing, and tourism activities.

• Health Impacts: Microplastics cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and carry harmful chemicals like Bisphenol A and phthalates that disrupt the endocrine system, potentially causing reproductive issues, cancer, and immune system failure. Humans are exposed through drinking water, seafood consumption, and inhalation of polluted dust.

• Removal Technologies: Conventional water treatment (coagulation, filtration) removes 20-90% of microplastics but has limitations. Newer technologies like Wasser 3.0 PE-X®, which uses a “clump & skim” agglomeration method, show over 95% removal efficiency with lower costs and energy use. Membrane filtration and adsorption techniques also offer high removal rates but are more expensive or have operational challenges.

• Industrial Applications: Chennai’s water treatment plants and industries (textile, plastic manufacturing, cosmetics) can adopt advanced filtration systems, including Wasser 3.0 PE-X®, membrane bioreactors, and zero liquid discharge methods to reduce microplastic pollution. Closed-loop manufacturing and biodegradable alternatives are recommended for sustainable practices.

Conclusion

It can be concluded that the water bodies in Chennai are significantly contaminated with Micro Plastics from various sources which are potential risk to both the human health and environment. While there are conventional water treatment methods which offer removal to an extent their limitations particularly with regard to smaller particles urgently requires adoption of newer and more efficient technologies. Innovations like the Wasser 3.0 PE-X®, membrane filtration, advanced oxidation processes, and adsorption techniques can be seen as an efficient alternative with higher removal efficiency. Considering the problems this pollutant would cause in future it is recommended that Chennai adopts these emerging newer technologies at the earliest. The policy changes must be aimed at strictly controlling the plastic production and disposal including stricter enforcement of single use plastic bans. The industries must be frequently inspected for any violations and checked for their adherence to best practises in relation to the implementation of removal technologies in their waste water treatment plants. Awareness programmes must be conducted among the general public educating them about the dangers of Micro Plastics and ways by which they can avoid them as it is also vital to promote efficient waste management and reduce plastic consumption. Finally collaboration among industrial plant owners, general public and law makers is needed to effectively mitigate the menace of Micro Plastic pollution in Chennai for a sustainable future.

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