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Vertical distribution of sedimentary microplastics reveals potential burial patterns and ecological risk in tropical coastal sediments
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Researchers examined beach sediments at five sites on Diu Island, India, and found microplastic levels decreased with depth, mostly as fibers and plastic polymers like polypropylene and polyethylene. Pollution and hazard levels varied by beach, and some sites showed plastics buried deeper than others, suggesting different retention patterns in coastal sediments.
This study explored spatial patterns, vertical burial depths, polymer types, and ecological risk of sedimentary microplastics in sediments from five beaches on Diu Island on the Arabian Sea coast of India. The abundance of microplastics varied significantly among beaches (11.33 to 216.67 items kg dry sediment), decreased significantly with increasing depth (revealing distinct stratification within the sediment column), and was mostly dominated by fibers (47.88%), followed by polypropylene (40.71%) and polyethylene (30.12%). The average Pollution Load Index (1.79) exceeded the selected literature-based reference concentration, whereas the Polymer Hazard Index (9.01) corresponded to the moderate hazard category, despite variations among sampling sites. The absence of a local background concentration and the inherent assumptions of polymer hazard scores remain important considerations for future assessments. Vertical variation in microplastic concentration within the sediment profile, evaluated using burial-related indices and an exponential decay model, revealed marked spatial differences in sediment distribution patterns. Vanakbara exhibited microplastic distributions consistent with greater retention in deeper sediment layers than the other beaches, whereas at Ghoghla, microplastic abundance declined more rapidly with increasing sediment depth. Based on multivariate analysis, the observed sedimentary characteristics were influenced not only by the degree of pollution but also by burial patterns, polymer composition, and associated ecological risk. Beaches with similar microplastic abundance exhibited different vertical distribution patterns, suggesting potential differences in sediment retention. These findings highlight the importance of jointly considering vertical distribution, polymer composition, and contamination indicators when interpreting sedimentary microplastic patterns in coastal environments.
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Researchers investigated vertical and horizontal stratification of microplastics in coastal sediment cores from three sites in Tamil Nadu, India, finding the highest contamination at Rameswaram with up to 2,800 particles per kilogram of dry sediment, dominated by fibers at 59.1%. High-density polymers such as PET and PA were disproportionately enriched in deeper sediment layers reflecting density-driven sinking, while site-specific risk assessments confirmed Rameswaram as the greatest ecological risk area.
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Researchers studied the vertical distribution of microplastics in intertidal sediments on Donghai Island, China, finding that depth profiles were strongly influenced by beach dynamics and human activity patterns. Microplastics were concentrated in the upper sediment layers, with anthropogenic disturbance intensifying accumulation. The study establishes baseline data for coastal microplastic monitoring and management.
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Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in sediment cores from three sites along India's Puducherry coast, finding over 100 microplastic particles per square centimeter near the surface — with fibers and fragments made of PE, PP, and PET being most common — and high pollution risk scores at all sites.
Comparison of Microplastic abundance in varying depths of deep-sea sediments, Bay of Bengal
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Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in deep-sea sediment samples from the Bay of Bengal at depths of 225 to 1,070 meters, finding the highest concentrations at intermediate depths. The findings add to evidence that microplastics have penetrated into deep-sea environments far from the surface.
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Researchers investigated microplastic contamination at six beaches along India's southeast coast, comparing seasonal variation and hazard risk. They found that polyethylene and polypropylene fibers were the most common types, likely originating from fishing, textile, and urban activities. Although overall contamination levels were low, the presence of hazardous polymers like PVC and polystyrene contributed to a very high ecological risk index for marine life.
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