Nepal, known for its rich biodiversity and abundant water resources, faces increasing environmental challenges, including the contamination of local water bodies with microplastics. Microplastics are the plastic particles smaller than 5 mm in diameter. They enter the environment either as primary or secondary microplastics. Primary microplastics are released directly in their original form often from sources like textiles and personal care products in the form of microbeads. Secondary microplastics, on other hand are created when larger plastic items or microplastic’s break down due to weathering or the wear and tear of materials like car tires.
Microplastic’s have been emerged as a significant environmental concern worldwide and Nepal is no exception. As the nation struggle with rapid urbanization, industrialization and increasing waste generation, local water bodies are becoming repositories for these pollutants, posing serious threats to ecosystem and human health as these water bodies are major sources for the drinking water, irrigation, aquaculture and so on.
Sources of Microplastic in Nepal
- Microplastic enters the fresh water environment through domestic water effluent, runoff from agricultural lands and overflowed of drains during storm or rain event, factory spillage.
- Fragmentation of plastics used in agricultural land; plastic mulches are being used to increase yields, quality, control temperature. However, these are also the potential source of microplastic.
- Large number of plastic debris enters the local water bodies during natural disasters such as flood, landslides etc.
- Personal Care Products: Many cosmetics and personal care items such as exfoliating scrubs, shampoos, and toothpaste contains microbeads made up of plastic. When these products are washed down the drain, they often end up in water bodies since wastewater treatment plants may not effectively filter them out.
- Fast fashion Industry: Cheap synthetic fabrics are commonly used in clothing, and when these garments are discarded or washed, they can release microplastic into the environment.
Environmental Impact on Aquatic Ecosystem
Microplastics have a profound effect on aquatic ecosystems in Nepal. They are often mistaken for food by fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic organisms, leading to blockages in the digestive systems of these animals, reducing their feeding efficiency, and sometimes causing death. As a result, the biodiversity of lakes and rivers in Nepal, already facing threats from pollution and climate change, is further endangered.
Fish and other aquatic species are vital to Nepal’s freshwater ecosystems. Studies in water bodies such as the Bagmati River and the Seti Gandaki River have shown the presence of microplastics in fish, which poses a significant risk to their health and reproduction. This could reduce fish populations, which are crucial for the local fishing economy and as a source of food for many communities.
Microplastics are not confined to the organisms that directly ingest them. These particles can travel up the food chain, affecting predators, including birds and larger fish species, and ultimately, humans who consume fish from these polluted waters. Accumulation of microplastics can physically alter habitats, particularly in riverbeds and lakes. These changes can affect sediment composition and the health of benthic organisms, which play crucial roles in nutrient cycling and water quality.
Microplastic can negatively affect biodiversity in freshwater habitats. Sensitive species may be more vulnerable to microplastic pollution leading to population declines. This loss of biodiversity can reduce ecosystem resilience and the ability to recover from environmental stress.
Effect on Human Health
As microplastics infiltrate drinking water sources and enter the food chain, the health implications for local communities are concerning. The ingestion of microplastics is linked to various health issues, including inflammation and hormonal disruptions. In rural areas of Nepal, where communities often depend on local water bodies for sustenance, the risk is particularly acute.
In addition to the toxic effects of microplastics, hazardous substances like phthalates, PCBs, and other pollutants that can adhere to the surface of microplastics may contribute to human dietary exposure. Microplastics and microbeads found in products like toothpaste can unknowingly be ingested and absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. The repeated ingestion of these microparticles has the potential to cause chromosomal changes, which can result in infertility, obesity, and cancer. For women, chemicals that mimic estrogen may also increase the risk of breast cancer.
Given the importance of tourism to Nepal’s economy, the presence of microplastics in water bodies around key tourist destinations could also affect public health. Tourists engaging in activities such as swimming or rafting in polluted rivers may be exposed to microplastics through inhalation or ingestion. This may negatively impact the tourism industry.
Efforts to Address the Issue
Local NGOs and environmental groups have started raising awareness about plastic pollution and its broader impacts. Campaigns encouraging people to reduce single-use plastics and promoting proper waste disposal are gaining traction, especially in urban areas.
The government of Nepal has taken steps to reduce plastic pollution by banning single-use plastics in certain areas, such as the Everest region. However, more comprehensive regulations are needed to curb the growing microplastic contamination in water bodies across the country.
Local communities, particularly those in tourist areas like Pokhara and Chitwan, have initiated lake and river clean-up campaigns to remove visible plastic waste, preventing it from degrading into microplastics. These efforts, though small-scale, are vital to reducing the immediate impact of plastic pollution.
Although scientific studies on microplastics in Nepal are limited, there is an increasing push for more research into the extent of microplastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems. Monitoring programs would help assess the scale of the problem and inform future policies.
CONCLUSION
The contamination of local water bodies in Nepal with microplastics represents a growing environmental and public health issue. With Nepal’s rich aquatic ecosystems and many communities depending on these water bodies for sustenance, the effects of microplastic pollution could be far-reaching. Addressing this issue will require coordinated efforts from the government, researchers, local communities, and NGOs. By implementing better waste management practices, improving water treatment infrastructure, and raising public awareness, Nepal can mitigate the impact of microplastics and protect both its natural environment and the health of its people.
