The analysis of water samples by a joint committee set up by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board has found microplastic contamination in the upstream of the Periyar River along the Edayar industrial area here.
The panel, which was formed to assess the impact of the plastic dumping by the now defunct Sree Sakthi Paper Mills, found microplastic pollution in the soil samples collected from the site and in water samples drawn from the river adjacent to the site.
The microplastic contamination in the upstream of the river near the Edayar industrial area was detected after the committee decided to collect two additional reference samples in order to comprehensively assess the potential microplastic load owing to the waste dumping by the company.
Two samples – one from the upstream point and other from the opposite bank of the river – were tested again. The analysis report of those samples showed the presence of microplastics in both the samples. It was concluded by the committee that the presence of microplastics in the river can be from multiple sources and not solely from the site in question.
The impact of microplastic pollution was analysed based on a directive issued by the National Green Tribunal, which had pulled up the firm for the unscientific dumping of plastic waste and incinerator ash generated from the processes in about 81 cents. An order dated July 29, 2024 issued by the Southern Bench had stated that the project proponent had left the plastic waste in the landfill and levelled it later by converting into a car park.
The panel has recommended an additional concrete/equivalent embankment in the river bank frontage of the site to prevent any possible surface/sub surface water run-off as the top surface had already been compacted and converted into a parking site. To carry out the required works, the ownership issues need to be resolved as the site is now under the possession of Kadungalloor grama panchayat, it said.
Published – August 26, 2025 09:00 pm IST
