New Delhi: A year-long scientific study by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) has found widespread microplastic contamination in the Yamuna River as it flows through the national capital, as well as in Delhi’s open drains, groundwater and floodplain soil.
The study, commissioned by the Delhi government’s environment department and conducted during 2024–25, analysed 88 samples collected across all 11 districts of the city. Researchers reported elevated microplastic concentrations in every sampled zone.
Microplastics particles smaller than 5 millimetres
are known to absorb and transport toxic chemicals. The report highlights that nearly 95% of detected particles were microfibres, suggesting domestic laundry effluents and textile-related discharges as major sources. Other morphotypes such as fragments, films and sheets indicated the breakdown of larger plastic waste.
Seasonal Dilution, But Soil Accumulation Rises
Data revealed significant seasonal variation. Average microplastic levels in the Yamuna dropped from 6,375 particles per cubic metre during the pre-monsoon period (May–June 2024) to 3,080 MPs/m³ in the post-monsoon phase (December 2024–January 2025) a decline of nearly 50%.
Open drains such as Najafgarh and Shahdara recorded even sharper reductions of about 60%, largely attributed to rainfall-driven dilution and flushing during the monsoon.
However, researchers cautioned that the apparent improvement in flowing water masked a worrying trend: microplastic concentrations in riverbank soil rose more than fourfold, from 24.5 MPs/kg before the monsoon to 104.45 MPs/kg afterward. The data suggest that runoff transports plastic debris into the floodplain, where it accumulates and may gradually leach into the ecosystem.
Groundwater samples from 42 locations showed relatively stable contamination levels, averaging around 1,200 MPs/m³, raising concerns about long-term exposure risks.
Ten Vulnerability Zones Identified
Spatial mapping identified 10 high-risk zones Najafgarh, Tilak Nagar, Saket–Vasant Kunj, Kalkaji, Karol Bagh, Naraina, ITO Barrage, Okhla, Ghazipur and Bhalswa areas characterised by dense habitation, industrial clusters, landfill proximity or medical infrastructure.
Polymer analysis detected 13 material types, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high- and low-density polyethylene (HDPE and LDPE), polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), pointing to mixed sources such as packaging waste, industrial discharge and household refuse.
The report recommends a real-time plastic pollution monitoring dashboard, monthly testing at major drains, advanced filtration upgrades at sewage treatment plants, installation of trash-capture systems, and restrictions on open laundry activities along riverbanks.
Environmental researcher Priti Mahesh described the findings as a “wake-up call,” urging immediate action including stricter plastic bans and improved filtration systems to safeguard public health and aquatic ecosystems.