Freshwater fish collected from Delhi’s stretch of the Yamuna River contain significantly higher levels of microplastics than fish from upstream locations in Haryana, according to a study conducted by the University of Delhi.
Researchers analysed 220 fish belonging to 12 species and recovered 1,678 microplastic particles, averaging 7.6 particles per fish. Every fish examined contained microplastics.
Tilapia collected from Sonia Vihar recorded the highest contamination, with an average of 21.8 microplastic particles per fish. Researchers also detected plastic particles in fish muscle tissue, indicating contamination of edible portions.
Fibres accounted for nearly 78 per cent of the recovered microplastics, with polyethylene and polypropylene identified as the most common polymers.
The study classified pollution in the Delhi stretch of the Yamuna as a high ecological hazard and called for improved wastewater treatment, regular monitoring and stronger measures to reduce plastic waste entering the river.