With reference to the biological effects of microplastics, consider the following statements: 1. Microplastics generate hydroxyl radicals specifically when they are in water. 2. The study found that microplastics cause hemolysis in mouse red blood cells. 3. Microplastics are chemically inactive when submerged in aquatic environments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Water makes microplastics chemically active, causing hemolysis in mouse red blood cells

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biotechnology & health research· Prelims· 17 October 2026

Microplastic pollution and oxidative stress: a relevant GS3 Science & Technology and environmental health case study.

Why in news

Scientists at Columbia University and UC Berkeley published a study in Nature revealing that water makes microplastics chemically active, causing hemolysis in mouse red blood cells.

Background

Researchers Wei Min and Naixin Qian found that microplastics generate reactive oxygen species, specifically hydroxyl radicals, when in water. These particles cause oxidative stress and hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) in mouse models.

Facts for Prelims

S&THydroxyl radicals: Reactive oxygen species generated by microplastics in water.
FactHemolysis: The destruction of red blood cells caused by microplastic-induced oxidative stress.
BodyColumbia University and UC Berkeley: Institutions involved in the study published in Nature.

Prelims practice question

With reference to the biological effects of microplastics, consider the following statements:

Microplastics generate hydroxyl radicals specifically when they are in water.
The study found that microplastics cause hemolysis in mouse red blood cells.
Microplastics are chemically inactive when submerged in aquatic environments.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 only
(b)1 and 2 only
(c)1 and 3 only
(d)1, 2 and 3

Show answer

Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: Water makes microplastics chemically active.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the biological hazards posed by microplastic pollution and the challenges in mitigating their chemical activity in aquatic ecosystems.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Oxidative stress mechanism: Chemical activation of microplastics via water interaction leading to cellular damage
Regulatory gap: Difficulty in monitoring chemically active microplastics versus inert particles in water bodies

Keywords: Oxidative stress · Hemolysis · Reactive oxygen species · Microplastic pollution · Biological hazards

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note How notes are made Source: Wired ↗Also: GS3 · Pollution (air, water, plastic)

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