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Characterization and Distribution Analysis of Microplastics Pollutants in the Coastal Water of the Bay of Bengal, India
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Scientists found tiny plastic particles, mostly fibers likely from fabrics and fishing gear, contaminating coastal waters off Odisha, India, at surprisingly high levels, with most pieces small enough (under 2mm) to easily enter the food chain through fish and shellfish. The plastics were made from common materials like polyester and packaging plastics, showing how everyday products break down and pollute marine environments that many communities depend on for seafood. While this study didn't directly test health effects, it adds to growing evidence that microplastics are widespread in the waters that produce our food, raising questions for future research on human exposure.
The current study examines the characterization and distribution of microplastics in the coastal waters collected from the Chandipur coast of Odisha, Bay of Bengal, India. Surface and subsurface water samples were systematically collected from ten designated locations within the study area using the grab sampling method. Microplastics were extracted using a density separation and filtration method, followed by visual identification, abundance assessment, and polymer characterization using spectroscopic analysis. The quantification of microplastics in samples ranged from 34.10 to 61.96 particles L, with an average of 47 ± 14 particles L⁻¹, indicating variation across sampling locations. Fibers were dominant, making up nearly 46% of total microplastic particles, followed by fragments (23%). The particle size distribution revealed that 1-2 mm size class was the dominant fraction (48%), followed by a subsidiary peak in the <1 mm class (26%). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, acquired at magnifications ranging from 1000x to 5000x, revealed detailed surface morphology of the microplastic samples, characterized by cracks, rough textures, pores, and uneven edges. The Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) results revealed that polyester (42%), high-density polyethylene (35%), and polypropylene (23%) were the predominant polymer types in the recovered microplastics. This study provides region-specific baseline data on the abundance, distribution, and characteristics of microplastics in the coastal waters of the Chandipur coast, of Odisha, Bay of Bengal, India, serving as a valuable reference for future monitoring, risk assessment, and management strategies.
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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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