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Comparative assessment of microplastics in Pulicat Lagoon and adjacent coastal waters: an integrated multi-metric ecological risk evaluation
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Scientists found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in India's Pulicat Lagoon, a major fishing and coastal ecosystem, with levels spiking after a cyclone stirred up runoff and waste. Most of the plastic was tiny fibers and fragments, likely from fishing gear, clothing, and household trash, small enough to be eaten by fish and shellfish that end up on dinner plates. While this study focused on the lagoon's ecology rather than human health directly, it highlights how plastic pollution builds up in food-producing waters, a key step toward understanding what may eventually make its way into the seafood
Microplastics (MP) have emerged as one of the most persistent contaminants in aquatic habitats, infiltrating even the most ecologically sensitive systems, such as lagoons and coastal waters, where ongoing anthropogenic inputs exacerbate their accumulation and biological impact. Pulicat Lake, India's second-largest brackish water lagoon, is especially vulnerable to MP loading from tidal exchange, household waste, and fishing activities. This study examined the physicochemical properties, seasonal abundance, and ecological danger of MP at three typical stations: Goonankuppam (Station I), Thonirevu (Station II), and Pulicat Beach (Station III) from 2024 to 2025. MP abundance ranged from 50 to 135 particles L–1, peaking in Thonirevu during post-monsoon. This pattern was driven by accelerated monsoon runoff and water resuspension in the aftermath of cyclone Fengal (25 November 2024). Fibres (50.9% at Station I, 40.6% at Station II, and 51.1% at Station III) were the dominating morphotype, followed by fragments (22.60% at Station I, 27.40% at Station II, and 24.20% at Station III). The size fraction of 100–500 µm (56% at Station I, 49% at Station II, and 47% at Station III) was consistent across all locations, indicating advanced secondary fragmentation. Blue particles (40% at Station I, 30% at Station II, and 45% at Station III) predominated, highlighting the important role of fishing gear and maritime activities. This establishes a strong baseline for targeted mitigation in this ecologically sensitive lagoon-coastal interface.
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Researchers reviewed microplastic contamination in Kerala's coastal waters and sediments, finding concentrations as high as 200 particles per liter in some areas, with pollution disrupting mangrove and coral reef ecosystems, entering the food chain through seafood, and posing inflammation and endocrine disruption risks to humans.
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Researchers characterized microplastic pollution in surface sediments of three tropical estuaries along the southwest coast of Kerala, India, finding 407 total particles and conducting ecological risk assessment to evaluate hazard levels from microplastic accumulation.
Microplastics in Indian Coastal Ecosystems: Sources, Distribution, and Ecological Impact
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This review pulls together a decade of research on tiny plastic particles polluting India's 7,500 km coastline, finding that microplastics are widespread in beaches, water, and sea life, with pollution levels tracking closely with nearby cities, rivers, and fishing activity. Since fish and shellfish are shown to ingest these particles, this raises real concerns for the seafood many coastal communities depend on for food and income. The paper doesn't test new samples itself, but instead synthesizes existing science to highlight where research and policy need to focus next.
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This review pulls together a decade of research on microplastic pollution along India's massive coastline, finding that tiny plastic bits are widespread in beaches, water, and sea life, driven by land-based trash, rivers, and fishing gear. Because fish and other seafood are absorbing these plastics, this raises real concerns for food safety and the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities. The study doesn't test new samples itself, but it highlights how much we still don't know and calls for better tracking and policy action to protect both ecosystems and the people who depend on them.
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