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Microplastic analysis in coastal waters of Ennore—Tamil Nadu, India: leveraging image processing and FTIR spectroscopy for identification and quantification
Summary
Scientists tested coastal waters near Ennore, India, and found tiny plastic fragments, including types used in packaging, bottles, and pipes, scattered throughout the area, with some spots showing much higher pollution levels than others. Since these waters connect to seafood we eat and ecosystems we depend on, this kind of monitoring matters: it helps track how much plastic is building up in our oceans and supports efforts to reduce it before it accumulates further in the food chain and, potentially, in our bodies.
This study investigates the occurrence, characterization, and spatial distribution of microplastics (MP) in the coastal waters of Tamil Nadu, focusing on a 20 sq.km grid area near the Ennore region. Driven by escalating concerns over plastic pollution, the research aimed to identify and quantify MP types and their distribution across seven distinct sampling locations (E1-E7). The methodology involved meticulous filtration of water samples, followed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for polymer identification and advanced image processing for quantification. The findings consistently revealed the presence of various polymers, including polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) polymer. Significant variations in plastic accumulation were observed across sampling points, with an estimated 0.59 ± 0.53 kg of marine MPs found within the study region's 100,000 m water sample volume. Individual sample measurements ranged from 0.17 to 1.5 kg across various locations. This alarming trend underscores the critical need for continuous environmental monitoring and the implementation of effective mitigation strategies to combat plastic pollution in marine ecosystems. The study highlights the utility of combined spectroscopic and image processing techniques for robust microplastic assessment and provides crucial baseline data for future research and policy interventions in the region.