New Delhi: Plastic pollution is no longer limited to marine ecosystems. An ongoing doctoral study at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), Pune, has detected microplastics in freshwater fish commonly consumed in the city, highlighting the need for greater understanding of how plastic pollution moves through freshwater ecosystems and enters the foodchain.
The research is being conducted by Simran Singh, PhD Scholar, Department of Environmental Studies, MIT-WPU, under the guidance of Dr. Soma Mishra. The study is funded through the MIT World Peace University Seed Grant and focuses on commercially consumed freshwater fish, particularly Rohu and Tilapia, to examine the occurrence, characteristics and potential sources of microplastic contamination, as well as its implications for freshwater ecosystems and human health.
The research began with a detailed mapping of Pune’s freshwater fish supply chain. Rather than focusing only on retail markets, the researchers surveyed major wholesalers and distributors, which serve as key entry points for freshwater fish into the city. Punewas divided into four geographical zones for the survey, covering the city’s major distribution networks.
The researchers interviewed 26 wholesalers and distributors across Pune. Based on the survey, the study estimates that approximately 37–40 tonnes of freshwater fish enter the Pune market every day, with Rohu and Tilapia among the commonly traded species. A significant proportion of the supply comes from aquaculture systems, while fish are also transported to Pune from states and regionsincluding Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Ratnagiri, Mumbai and Kolkata, reflecting the extensive interstate nature of the city’s freshwater fish supply chain.
The laboratory investigation detected microplastics in the freshwater fish samples examined. The particles identified included fibres, fragments and pellets, which are among the commonly reported forms of microplastics found in freshwater environments. Based on the detected levels and local consumption patterns, the study estimates that an individual consuming an average of 250 grams of freshwater fish twice a week over 50 years could potentially ingest between 93,600 and 124,800 microplastic particles.
