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Assessment of Plastic Pollution and its Impact on Coastal Environment and Marine Biodiversity in the Thoothoor coastal region, Tamil Nadu, India
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Researchers surveyed eight coastal villages in Tamil Nadu, India, and found 365 kg of plastic waste littering the shoreline, mostly food wrappers, plastic bags, and fragments, even documenting a sea turtle tangled in discarded fishing gear. This matters beyond the immediate wildlife harm: as plastic trash breaks down in coastal waters, it can turn into microplastics that enter the seafood we eat, making better waste management and beach cleanup efforts a public health issue, not just an environmental one.
Plastic pollution has become a major environmental threat to coastal ecosystems, particularly in regions with intensive fishing and human activities. This study assessed the distribution, composition, and ecological impacts of plastic debris in eight coastal villages of the Thoothoor region, Tamil Nadu, India, through seasonal field surveys conducted from May 2025 to May 2026 using standardized transect and quadrat methods. A total of 365 kg of plastic waste was recorded, with Vallavilai identified as the most polluted site (23.97%), followed by Poothurai and Chinnathurai. Food wrappers, plastic fragments, and plastic bags were the dominant litter categories, while fishing ropes and nets were less abundant. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in litter composition among plastic categories (One-way ANOVA, $p \leq 0.001$). Field observations also documented an Olive Ridley Sea turtle entangled in discarded fishing gear, highlighting the ecological consequences of marine debris. The findings emphasize the need for improved waste management, regular coastal monitoring, and community-based conservation initiatives to protect marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems.
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Microplastic Pollution, A Threat to Human Health: A Case Study at Thoothukudi, South India
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A field study at Thoothukudi, a coastal city in southern India, found microplastics in beach sediments at all seven sampling sites, with fibers and fragments being the most common forms. The results highlight that microplastic pollution is reaching even relatively understudied coastlines in South Asia, with implications for the health of local marine ecosystems and fishing communities.
Microplastics accumulation in pelagic and benthic species along the Thoothukudi coast, South Tamil Nadu, India
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Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in the digestive tracts of fish and shellfish along the Thoothukudi coast in southern India. They found microplastics in both open-water and bottom-dwelling species, with bottom-dwellers accumulating slightly more particles, predominantly polyethylene fibers. The findings confirm that microplastic contamination is widespread across marine habitats in the region and underline the need for better plastic waste management.
Occurrence, Distribution, and Physical Characterization of Macro- and Mesoplastic Debris in Beach Sediments of the Sutrapada-Veraval Coast, Northwestern India
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Researchers surveyed two beaches on India's Gujarat coast and found a steady stream of plastic trash—especially rope, plastic pouches, and foam pieces (Thermocol)—littering the sand over eight months of monitoring. While this study looked at visible plastic chunks rather than microplastics, these larger pieces break down over time into the smaller microplastic particles that can enter seafood and drinking water, so cleaning up beach litter now helps prevent a bigger health problem later.
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.
Microplastic pollution and its implicated risks in the estuarine environment of Tamil Nadu, India
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Researchers investigated microplastic pollution across 19 estuaries in Tamil Nadu, India, measuring contamination in water, sediment, and marine organisms. They found microplastic levels were higher during monsoon season due to stormwater discharge, and estimated that local residents may ingest approximately 781 microplastic items through fish and 2,809 through shellfish annually. The study suggests that estuarine microplastic pollution poses meaningful human exposure risks through seafood consumption.
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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.