Microplastic Detection in Terrestrial & Aquatic Habitats
Microplastics
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, originating from the breakdown of larger plastic items or manufactured in small forms. These pollutants pose significant environmental and health risks as they accumulate in oceans, land, rivers, and even air.
Microplastics A Threat to the Wildlife
Microplastics pose grave threats to wildlife. These tiny plastic particles are often mistaken for food by marine and terrestrial animals. Ingestion can lead to internal damage, malnutrition, and even death. Additionally, microplastics can carry toxic chemicals, accumulating as they move up the food chain, endangering predators, including humans. Entanglement in larger plastic debris or microplastics can hamper mobility and feeding in marine life. Disrupted ecosystems affect biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Combating Microplastics
It requires comprehensive measures, from reducing plastic production to improving waste management and fostering awareness to protect wildlife and maintain the delicate balance of our planet's ecosystems.
We Detected Microplastics in the Wildlife & Livestock of Kishtwar High Altitudinal National Park, UT of Jammu & Kashmir
In one of our ongoing research project, we have successfully detected microplastics in the wildlife and livestock of Kishtwar High Altitudinal National Park, UT of Jammu & Kashmir using a modified microscopic & FTIR technique.