Micropollutants in Climate Change: An Indian Perspective

Abstract

Micropollutants, characterized by their persistence and toxicity despite minute concentrations, represent a significant and growing environmental and public health challenge in India. This chapter examines the primary categories of micropollutants—Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), heavy metals, Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs), microplastics, endocrine disruptors, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and nutrient compounds—prevalent within the Indian context. It analyzes their major sources, driven by rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and agricultural intensification, and details their multifaceted impacts on ecosystems and human health. Critically, the chapter explores the complex, bidirectional relationship between micropollutants and climate change, where climatic alterations can amplify the mobility and toxicity of these pollutants, while the pollutants themselves can exacerbate warming through mechanisms like greenhouse gas formation and disruption of carbon sinks. The review further assesses India's existing policy frameworks and initiatives aimed at mitigation, highlighting persistent challenges such as inadequate waste management infrastructure and regulatory enforcement gaps. The conclusion underscores the necessity for an integrated approach combining robust monitoring, advanced treatment technologies, stringent policy implementation, and public awareness to safeguard sustainable development in India.