Long term plastic flux monitoring and river assessment in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR)

While the usability of plastic in different spheres of the modern lifestyle such as automobiles, electronics and medical equipment cannot be done away completely, efforts to tackle plastic waste entering the marine environment are essential.

This calls for an assessment of the types and quantity of plastic waste entering water bodies which would also provide insights of consumer behavior with respect to plastic waste management.

This research study involves the identification of potential plastic leakage hotspots using field surveys, extensive use of technological applications using solar cameras and sensors, tracking riverine plastic flow using satellite trackers, drone surveys and studying hydro-meteorological parameters.

Significance of the study

• The project would generate primary data about the types and quantity of plastic waste entering the creek; and pre and post-monsoon changes in the plastic waste composition
• Insights into the transport of plastic waste with respect to environmental, hydrological and meteorological factors
• These findings would be helpful in formulating regulatory mechanisms around them.
• The data generated would serve as a baseline for future studies