From Picnic Spot to Dinner Plate: The Hidden journey of Microplastics

Imagine having a lovely day out at Taunsa Barrage. Families enjoy a picnic by the water, children play, and everything is provided in single-use cups and plates. After the day is over, there are plenty of wrappers, bottles, and plastic bags littering the area. On a larger scale, the area looks clean; however, the plastics are slowly breaking down into microplastics (some of which are too small to be seen) and travelling back to us.

The Pressure of a Picnic Area

Taunsa Barrage on the Indus River is a popular picnic area, but it is also a very important area for wildlife such as the endangered Indus River dolphin. Due to the high number of visitors, human activity increases. People in the area are unlikely to know much about the environment, so throwing away a plastic bottle feels natural.

Plastic cannot dissolve in water, so it will only break down into microplastics (< 5 mm) and nanoplastics (< 0.001 mm) when exposed to sunlight, heat, and water. These particles can stay in the river for many years.

Effect on Water Life

Fish, shellfish and other aquatic organisms may mistake the plastic pieces for food.  Research has reported that blockages in the digestive tract, poor nutrition, stunted growth, reproductive problems, and tissue damage are all commonly seen. Microplastics can hold dangerous effluents and can also adsorb heavy metals and contaminants from the surrounding water. This means every piece of plastic could be a source of contamination. Larger plastic objects, such as bags and fishing nets, can cause entanglement and physical blockages.

From The River to Our Food

There are three ways the issue comes back to us.

• Food Chain: Microplastics can enter the food chain as small organisms ingest them; small fish feed on these organisms, and larger fish then consume the smaller fish. Microplastics travel up the food chain and can be transferred to larger fish through the food chain. People who eat river fish and other seafood may also consume these particles.
• Crops: The barrage has a canal and river surrounding it; therefore, some crops nearby may be irrigated with this water. If there are microplastics in the water, they may accumulate in the soil and be taken up by the plants. Root systems can absorb very small particles, particularly nanoplastics, so vegetables and grains may carry plastic straight onto our plates.
• Air: Dried, weathered, and burnt plastic can release fine fibres into the air. We can inhale these airborne particles, allowing them to enter our respiratory system. This has been linked to irritation and inflammation of the airways. It could worsen asthma and other respiratory diseases.

Who Is Most Affected?

• Everyone will have some exposure. However, the extent of exposure varies depending on age. Infants may be most exposed to plastic feeding bottles and hot water formula. Investigations show that these feeding bottles can discharge a large number of particles. Due to the small size of the infant, the amount per body weight is high.
• Children will be exposed by touching things with their mouths, playing in contaminated soil, and breathing in dust from around the house. Their organs are still developing, meaning they are the most vulnerable to certain environmental exposures.
• Adults will probably be most exposed from drinking bottled water, eating packaged foods, fish, vegetables, and breathing in airborne particles. Exposure will build up.
• Older adults will have the same reasons for exposure but may be more vulnerable due to a weaker immune system and face difficulties removing foreign particles from their bodies.

Health Effects

Microplastics have been found in human blood, lungs, placenta, and breast milk. Research is still being conducted; however, issues include irritation and oxidative stress to cells, respiratory issues such as asthma, and issues with digestion and gut health. Additives in microplastics may affect hormones, and initial examination displays links to cardiovascular syndromes. Although research is ongoing, these findings highlight the need for caution and further investigation.

What can we do?

• Government/ Policies: Single-use/disposable plastic bags must be strictly banned. Picnic areas such as Taunsa Barrage must have enough bins, waste areas, and cleaners. Clear signage, visitor regulations, and regular testing of river water should also be introduced. The government should support local alternatives to plastic and promote recycling.
• Community: Hold awareness sessions in schools, markets and mosques to explain where the plastic goes in simple terms. Volunteer groups can hold regular clean-ups along the river. Shopkeepers and food sellers must be involved as they provide much of the plastic.
• Personal: Take a reusable water bottle, cloth bag, stainless-steel/ ceramic plates. Never throw plastic into the water. Don’t leave plastic items on the riverbanks. Don’t heat food in plastic dishes for children. Use glass or stainless steel. Spread your knowledge! One informed person can influence a whole family.

My Role as a Climate Warrior and Environmental Researcher

As an environmental researcher, I carry out research into microplastic contamination in drinking water in many areas of Multan. Having worked with this topic every day, I have learnt that these microplastics are not a far-off threat. They are in our drinking water, and most people don’t even realize! Science will only be useful if it is impacting people.

As a climate warrior, I want to bring my research together with the community. Take pictures of plastic leftover in native picnic regions and share the proof. Carry out awareness campaigns in the local language. Push for stricter rules and better waste systems.

Conclusion

The plastic we leave on the riverbank won’t just disappear. It will travel through the water, fish, fields, and air and come back to us. By protecting places like Taunsa Barrage, we are protecting our health. We are also helping protect Punjab’s rivers and canals. Simple lifestyle changes can make a difference. Don’t leave any plastic waste behind. Read, think, and help create a cleaner and healthier Punjab!