Q. Why is there a great concern about the 'microbeads' that are released into environment? (UPSC Prelims 2019)
Answer: They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.
Notes: The correct answer is [A] They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.Microbeads are solid plastic particles, typically made of polyethylene or polypropylene, that are less than 5 mm in size. They have been a major focus of environmental policy due to their persistence and impact on aquatic life.

• Harm to Marine Ecosystems (Statement A – Correct): Microbeads are too small to be filtered out by standard wastewater treatment plants. When washed down drains (from face scrubs or toothpaste), they enter rivers and oceans. Marine organisms—ranging from tiny plankton and corals to fish and seabirds—mistake these beads for food. Ingestion causes physical blockages, reduces feeding capacity, and introduces toxic chemicals (like POPs) that the plastic absorbs from the surrounding water, leading to biomagnification up the food chain.
• Skin Cancer (Statement B – Incorrect): While microbeads can be abrasive and cause micro-tears or irritation on the skin, there is no established scientific evidence linking their environmental release directly to the cause of skin cancer in children.
• Absorption by Crop Plants (Statement C – Incorrect): While research into "nanoplastics" and plant uptake is an emerging field, the primary global concern and the reason for widespread bans (like the Microbead-Free Waters Act) is their documented and immediate impact on the marine food web.
• Food Adulterants (Statement D – Incorrect): Microbeads are industrial pollutants, not substances intentionally added to food for economic gain (adulteration). While they may contaminate seafood, they are not used as "adulterants" in the traditional sense.

Due to these concerns, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has classified microbeads as "unsafe" for use in cosmetic products, and many countries have implemented total bans to protect aquatic biodiversity.