Microplastics pollution load in Sundarban delta of Bay of Bengal

A significant microplastics pollution load, exceeding 56 tons immediately after Cyclone Amphan in 2020 and an estimated 4 million tonnes annually from rivers, threatens the Sundarban mangrove forest. This study highlights the severe ecological risks posed by microplastic contamination, including trophic transfer and bioaccumulation, which can degrade natural resources, disrupt livelihoods, and exacerbate poverty. While governments of India and Bangladesh have implemented mitigation policies, urgent joint initiatives are needed to address pollution risks, conserve biodiversity, and promote sustainable development in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kumar, R., Sinha, R., Refat Jahan Rakib, Md., Padha, S., Ivy, N., Bhattacharya, S., Dhar, A., & Sharma, P. (2022). Microplastics pollution load in Sundarban delta of Bay of Bengal. Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, 7, 100099. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazadv.2022.100099