NEDFi study finds microplastic pollution threatens Brahmaputra

NEDFi Report has found that microplastic pollution has emerged as a critical environmental challenge threatening the ecological integrity of freshwater systems worldwide.

NEDFi Report on ‘Survey and Studies on Remediation of Microplastic on shorelines of Brahmaputra River’was released in OCTAVATE 2026 – North East’s Premier Tech Conclave, organized by the NEST Cluster of IIT Guwahati.

Microplastic pollution has emerged as a critical environmental challenge threatening the ecological integrity of freshwater systems worldwide. Brahmaputra River, a vital lifeline for the people of Northeast India, sustains livelihoods, biodiversity and regional development. Increasing shoreline contamination from fragmented plastics like polyethylene, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride driven by urban runoff, industrial effluents and other hydrological dynamics demand urgent remedial measures.


Prof. Vimal Katiyar and his team at IIT Guwahati under the NEDFi’s Techno Economic Development Fund (TEDF) has put their dedicated efforts in carrying out the study, to contribute to environmental resilience, protect the biodiversity of the Brahmaputra ecosystem, and pave the way towards a plastic-resilient future for the North Eastern Region of India.

The study covers extensive field sampling across more than twenty strategically selected sites encompassing residential, rural, industrial, treatment plant, airport influenced locations. Advanced analytical techniques such as FTIR spectroscopy and Microscopy have been employed to characterize microplastics while practical remediation approaches including floating barriers and biofilm-assisted degradation have been evaluated for their field applicability.

The sincere effort of NEDFi in bringing out such policy recommendations and strategy based on field study findings through its Techno Economic Development Fund was highly appreciated by the distinguished guests and stakeholders present in the event.

The ceremonial event was attended by Satinder Kumar Bhalla, Secretary, North Eastern Council (NEC), Vijay Kumar Goel, Director, Ministry of DoNER, Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Chairman, NEST Cluster & Director, IIT-G along with senior officials from NEDFi, representatives from NIITs, foreign delegates, IIT faculties and students from various institutions and other stakeholders.