We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Assessment of spatial distribution, sources, and ecological risks of microplastics in the estuarine and coastal regions of the northern Bay of Bengal
AI summary Read the abstract
Surveys of the northeastern Bay of Bengal found surface water MP concentrations up to 1,640 items/m³ in the Karnaphuli estuary, dominated by fiber-shaped polypropylene particles, with pollution risk indices ranging from medium to very high across estuarine and coastal zones. The high MP burden in this densely populated coastal region poses serious risks to marine biodiversity, local fisheries, and the millions of people who depend on Bay of Bengal seafood as a dietary staple.
Microplastics (MPs) have recently emerged as a significant environmental problem with devastating consequences for organisms. Understanding MPs pollution in the Bay of Bengal is crucial for assessing its ecological impact on marine biodiversity and human health. This study examined the occurrence, spatial distribution, physical and chemical properties, ecological risks, and probable sources of MPs in estuarine and coastal marine environments in the northeastern Bay of Bengal. The average concentration of MPs in surface water of the Karnaphuli estuary, the Meghna estuary, and the southeastern coastal region were 916.7±462.6 items/m3, 462.9±324.5 items/m3, and 350.0±190.5 items/m3 respectively, varying from 105.0±324.5 items/m3 to 1 640.0±462.6 items/m3. In the sediments of the Karnaphuli estuary, the Meghna estuary, and the southeast coast of Bangladesh, the average amount of MPs were 94.3±33.1 items/kg, 157.6±89.0 items/kg, and 134.3±38.7 items/kg, with a range of 60± 33.1 items/kg to 334.3±89.0 items/kg. Most observed MPs were fibers (60.0% in the water; 56.0% in the sediments), followed by fragments and lines. Detected MPs were dominated by polypropylene (20.7%) in the water, and acrylic (15.4%) in the sediment, black colored (76.2% in the water, 72.7% in the sediments), and 200–500 µm sized (48% in the water, 37% in the sediments). Pollution Risk Index (PRI) indicated significant pollution levels (from medium to very high) in estuarine and coastal areas. Multi-statistical analysis indicated land-based inputs (tourists, local waste, agriculture, and industry) dominated the studied regions. The study emphasized the potential impact of MPs pollution on aquatic ecosystems, emphasizing the need for effective management, mitigation methods, continuous surveillance, and thorough evaluation.
More Papers Like This
Characterisation and distribution of microplastics in the inner shelf sediments of the southeast coast of India, Bay of Bengal
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers sampled seafloor sediments along India's southeast coast in the Bay of Bengal and found widespread microplastic contamination, documenting the types, shapes, and chemical makeup of the particles. The findings reveal how plastic pollution is building up in coastal marine sediments that support fisheries and local food supplies.
Characterization and seasonal distribution of microplastics in the nearshore sediments of the south-east coast of India, Bay of Bengal
AI summary Read the abstract
Indian coastal sediment survey finding MP peaks near river mouths during monsoon - 80748 — Spacecraft deployable structure microdynamics (not microplastics-related) - 34291 — AFM study of early-stage polymer wear at nanoscale (MP generation mechanism) - 60453 — New all-glass flotation method for extracting MPs from sediment, 92% recovery - 60446 — Low-cost sediment trap captures ~25% of MPs in flowing water - 60445 — Rural Kansas rivers contain MPs even upstream of urban areas - 60408 — Seabirds transport marine MP fibers to remote atoll soils via guano - 60404 — MPs found in mountain snowpack dust, possibly reducing snowmelt albedo - 60397 — Urban land cover correlates with MP levels in karst groundwater springs - 60376 — Asian clams may biologically indicate seasonal MP variation in freshwater - 60369 — MPs detected inside Mammoth Cave; surface rivers the primary entry vector - 60359 — First evidence of MPs in hailstones, showing atmospheric circulation of plastics - 60284 — Turbulent flow vertical mixing study for MP transport modeling - 60231 — Tire wear optimization method; tire particles are top MP source - 60206 — Rhizobiome microbes may help mitigate plastic pollution in soil - 59687 — Review of microbial plastic degradation capabilities and challenges - 59678 — Review of MP hazards and interactions in soil environments - 59675 — MPs found across cryosphere; ice melt may release stored plastics - 59671 — Review of microbial approaches to degrading macroplastic ocean waste - 59603 — Review of MP detection methods in water samples - 59591 — Particle size and density govern MP vertical mixing in water columns - 59538 — Review calling for standardized MP sampling and analysis protocols - 59513 — Review of micro/nanoplastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems - 59468 — Review of MPs in water and removal performance of wastewater treatment plants - 59467 — Review of MP generation, spread, and management strategies - 59464 — Transformer neural network for automated, explainable MP detection in images - 59436 — Review of MP ecotoxicology across aquatic food webs - 59429 — Polymer type analysis of coastal MPs and the "missing plastics" question - 59420 — Pollution baseline assessment for North Evoikos Gulf, Aegean Sea - 59308 — Review of MP research gaps and data needs in South Asia
Abundance, distribution and characterization of microplastics in Tropical River Estuary, South East Coast of India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers sampled water and sediment across seven sites along the Palar River estuary in southeast India, finding that fiber-shaped high-density polyethylene microplastics dominate, likely originating from fishing gear and industrial discharge. The study establishes a contamination baseline for a multi-source river system, highlighting how riverine environments serve as highways transporting plastic pollution from inland industrial and agricultural sources into coastal marine ecosystems.
Microplastic ingestion and potential risk assessment on commercial and non-commercial marine fish in the Bay of Bengal
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in six coral reef fish species from Saint Martin's Island in the Bay of Bengal, finding 100% occurrence rates, with 4-10 microplastics per gastrointestinal tract dominated by polypropylene and polyethylene fibers, and polymer hazard index scores classifying all species in the high-risk 'Danger' category.
Distribution of Microplastics and Their Effect on the Microalgae Population in the Inshore Waters of the Bay of Bengal
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studying the Bay of Bengal found that microplastic fibers — primarily nylon — were widespread in coastal waters near Chennai, India, and that higher microplastic concentrations were associated with lower microalgae populations, suggesting plastic pollution may be disrupting the base of the marine food web.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.