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Unveiling the sources and impacts of plastic pollution: A preliminary study at Pattinapakkam Beach, Chennai, Indiaduring Cyclone Fengal
Summary
After Cyclone Fengal hit the coast of Chennai, India, researchers found the beach littered with plastic debris—mostly hard plastics and plastic film, and nearly 90% of it traced back to land-based trash rather than ocean sources. This matters because storms like this wash plastic into the sea where it breaks down into smaller weathered fragments that fish and other marine life can ingest, meaning that pollution on our streets can eventually end up in seafood and, over time, in the microplastics we consume ourselves.
Aim: This study investigates the impacts of Cyclone Fengal (December 2024) on plastic debris accumulation along the South-East coast of Tamil Nadu, India, particularly in Pattinapakkam, Chennai. It aims to understand the composition, sources and ecological implications of cyclone driven plastic pollution. Methodology: Field work focused on a 2.5 km coastal stretch using systematic grid sampling, dividing the area into 12 sites, each marked by a 5m × 5m grid (25m²), ensuring spatial variability. Visible debris larger than 25 mm were collected and categorized by material and polymer type. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) was used to evaluate spatial variation in debris accumulation. Results: The findings revealed a plastic composition of 63% hard plastics, 27% film, 2% fibres, 5% styrofoam, and 3% other polymers, with polyethylene (PE) dominating at 67.6%. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) confirmed nonsignificance with a p-value> 0.05. Debris sources were traced to land-based (89%) and ocean-based (11%) origins. Interpretation: Cyclone-induced winds, storm surges and runoff contribute to increased marine debris accumulation posing significant threats to marine biota via ingestion of weathered plastics, entanglement of fishing nets. In addition, uprooting of seaweeds disrupts ecosystems and reduces the ocean's carbon sink capacity. This study highlights the urgent need for targeted policies and waste management strategies to protect coastal ecosystems. Key words: Coastal ecosystems, Cyclone Fengal, Marine plastic pollution, Ocean conservation, Plastic debris accumulation