Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: A recent study by Goa University has revealed significant microplastic contamination in Goa’s traditional solar salt, particularly from salt pans located downstream of the Mandovi estuary.
Researchers estimate that an individual consuming this salt could ingest approximately 2,457 microplastic particles each year.
The study examined eight salt samples using techniques such as density separation, filtration, and FTIR spectroscopy.
All samples contained microplastics, with concentrations ranging from 64 to 107 particles per 100 grams.
The majority of the microplastics were fibers (90.4%) and mostly colorless (64.3%). The most common polymers identified were polyethylene (29.2%), polyester (20.8%), and polypropylene (16.7%).
The findings raise both ecological and public health concerns. Pollution load and polymer risk indices indicated a high environmental hazard, highlighting the broader issue of plastic contamination in Goa’s waterways.
Experts caution that long-term consumption of microplastics through salt could pose health risks, calling for stronger measures to tackle plastic pollution and increase public awareness about its presence in everyday food items.
