Microplastics are discovered in the city’s groundwater by a study.

• A study commissioned by the Delhi government has detected microplastics in groundwater samples across the capital.

• The study, which was submitted to the government in November, found microplastics in Yamuna’s water and soil samples from its banks.

• The presence of microplastics in groundwater samples of almost all 11 districts of Delhi suggests the groundwater has been polluted due to leaching effects from the river.

• Microplastics are small particles or fragments of plastic less than 5 mm in diameter, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

• A 2021 UNEP report warned that chemicals in microplastics are associated with serious health impacts, especially in women.

• Satish Sinha, associate director of Toxics Link, urged the Delhi government to release the report on microplastics in groundwater to help other research groups find solutions.

• The study was awarded to The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in February 2024.