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Incorporation of Microplastics into Food Chains and their Consequences on marine Biodiversity: An Emerging Environmental Challenge in Maharashtra, India
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This review pulls together existing research showing that tiny plastic bits (microplastics) are building up along India's Maharashtra coast and getting eaten by plankton, shellfish, and fish—including the kinds of seafood people eat. These plastics can harm marine life by causing inflammation, hormone disruption, and other health problems, and they can also carry toxic chemicals up the food chain, raising concerns about what ends up on our plates. The findings underscore the need for better monitoring and pollution controls to protect both ocean ecosystems and the seafood-based diets many communities depend on.
Microplastics (<5 mm) have emerged as pervasive contaminants across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. India, particularly the Maharashtra coast along the Arabian Sea, is experiencing increasing microplastic accumulation due to urbanization, industrial discharge, fisheries activities, and tourism pressure. The incorporation of microplastics into aquatic food chains represents a serious ecological and public health concern. This review synthesizes current evidence on sources, environmental distribution, trophic transfer mechanisms, physiological impacts on aquatic organisms, and biodiversity consequences, with special emphasis on Maharashtra. Studies across Indian waters confirm ingestion in plankton, benthic invertebrates, commercial fishes, and apex predators. Microplastics induce oxidative stress, immune modulation, histopathological alterations, and endocrine disruption, thereby threatening ecosystem stability. Furthermore, their role as vectors of toxic organic pollutants enhances ecological risk. The review highlights emerging data from the west coast of India and identifies research gaps, monitoring needs, and governance strategies relevant for sustainable coastal management. Addressing microplastic incorporation into food webs is essential for safeguarding marine biodiversity and fisheries-based livelihoods in Maharashtra.
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Microplastics pollution in Indian marine environment: sources, effects and solutions
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This review provides a comprehensive look at microplastic pollution in India's marine environment, covering sources, transport, effects on marine life, and potential solutions. Microplastics are being ingested by organisms at every level of the food chain, causing inflammation, hormonal disruption, and reproductive problems that eventually affect humans through seafood. The authors call for stronger policies, better waste management, and public awareness to address this growing threat to both marine ecosystems and human health.
Microplastics in Indian Coastal Ecosystems: Sources, Distribution, and Ecological Impact
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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.
A critical review on various trophic transfer routes of microplastics in the context of the Indian coastal ecosystem
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This review examines how microplastics accumulate along the Indian coastline through ingestion and bioaccumulation across species including plankton, fish, turtles, and seabirds. The findings highlight India's coastal biodiversity as being at significant risk, with implications for the millions of people who rely on marine fisheries for food.
Microplastic Pollution in India's Marine and Inland Environmental Matrices: A Comprehensive Review
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This review pulls together existing research showing that tiny plastic fragments called microplastics are widespread in India's rivers, coastlines, and drinking water sources, and that fish and other seafood are absorbing them too. This matters because when we eat contaminated seafood or drink affected water, we may be ingesting these particles ourselves, though scientists are still working to fully understand the health effects. The review mainly highlights gaps in current research, signaling that more studies are needed to pin down exactly how risky this contamination is for people.
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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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.