Home / Environment / NGT Extends Deadline for Microplastic Detection Methods
NGT Extends Deadline for Microplastic Detection Methods
17 Oct
Summary
- NGT granted CPCB 8 weeks for microplastic detection methodology progress.
- CIPET, NCSCM, and CSIR-NEERI will develop microplastic analysis techniques.
- A new standard exists, but detailed procedures for analysis are lacking.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has extended the deadline for the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) by eight weeks to submit a progress report on developing uniform methodologies for microplastic detection. This decision was made during proceedings concerning the presence of microplastics in Indian food products and human blood.
Several scientific institutions, including CIPET, NCSCM, and CSIR-NEERI, have agreed to develop specific techniques for sampling, preparation, and analysis of microplastics across different environmental matrices like freshwater, soil, marine water, and air.
The NGT's directive follows reports highlighting microplastics in Indian salt and sugar brands and their detection in human blood. Although the Bureau of Indian Standards has adopted a related standard, detailed, matrix-specific procedures are still required for nationwide implementation. The development and validation of these comprehensive methodologies are expected to take approximately 12 months.
