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Microplastic distribution patterns in Kappil Beach sediments, Kerala
Summary
Beach sediment samples from Kappil, Kerala in India revealed 766 microplastic particles dominated by nylon fibers (78%), along with polyethylene and polystyrene, with the majority smaller than 1 mm. Risk assessments classified contamination as moderate to high, suggesting active fragmentation of larger plastic debris is ongoing. This baseline data is valuable for tracking pollution trends in Indian coastal ecosystems where fishing and tourism create significant plastic inputs.
This study evaluates the abundance, characteristics, and ecological risk of microplastics in beach sediments from Kappil, Kerala, providing a baseline assessment of contamination and associated environmental risks. Microplastic pollution has become a significant environmental concern in coastal ecosystems worldwide. This study assessed the abundance, polymer composition, and morphological characteristics of microplastics along Kappil Beach, Kerala, India, and evaluated their ecological risks using the Pollution Load Index (PLI), Hazard Index (HI), and Potential Risk Index (PRI). Microplastics were separated using the density separation method, examined under a stereo zoom microscope for morphological identification, and subsequently analysed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for polymer identification. A total of 766 microplastic particles were identified, dominated by nylon (77.6%, mean: 29.7 ± 7.4), followed by polyethylene (9.9%, mean: 3.8 ± 2.4), polystyrene (8.9%, mean: 3.4 ± 1.8), and polypropylene (3.6%, mean: 1.4 ± 1.1). Black, red, and brown particles were most common, with fibers and fragments particularly those < 1000 μm indicating active fragmentation and weathering. The risk indices revealed moderate to high ecological stress, with hotspots at sites S1, S15, and S18 showing elevated pollution load and potential hazard. The results suggest that fishing activities, packaging waste, and coastal tourism are the primary contributors to microplastic contamination. This study highlights the urgent need for targeted management actions to reduce inputs, mitigate ecological risks, and preserve the integrity of tropical coastal ecosystems.