CPCB report to the NGT on microplastics, 10/02/2023
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report dated 10/02/2023.
The CPCB report was in compliance to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order dated April 5, 2022 in Original Application No. 251/2022 in re: News item published in The Hindu dated March 29, 2022 titled 'Detecting microplastics in human blood'.
There is currently no standard method for sampling and analysis of microplastics in the environment. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is currently working on the subject. Uniform procedure for sampling and analysis should be developed by organizations involved in microplastic analysis (CIPET, NCSCM, MoESNCCR) which can be adopted uniformly across the country till the time ISO standard is finalized.
Sources of generation of microplastics including industries, waste management , waste water treatment, ocean activities have been identified. However, the exact quantum of microplastics generated from the identified source has not been determined. Microplastic concentration in transfer media is available for soil/beach sediment, surface water bodies, biota and ocean water. Microplastic concentration for sludge , specifically when it is converted to compost for land application is not available Microplastic concentration in end use areas including ambient air, drinking water and ground water is available said the CPCB report.
Note: The CPCB report was uploaded to the NGT site, February 28, 2023