We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic pollution in surface sediments of Coromandel coastline, South-East Coast, India: Diversity index, carbonyl index, pollution load index, risk fraction and MPs inventory
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution across a 1,076-kilometer stretch of India's Coromandel coastline, using multiple indices to assess abundance, degradation, and ecological risk. They found that microplastic levels varied significantly between wet and dry seasons, with dry season samples showing higher concentrations. The study provides a comprehensive baseline assessment of microplastic contamination along one of India's most extensive coastal regions.
The investigation along the Coromandel coastline of South-east India focused on assessing microplastics abundance using Simpson's diversity index (DI), Degradation-carbonyl index (DCI), Pollution load index (PLI) and Ecological risk fraction (Rf). These indices evaluated the dissemination and transportation of MPs across a 1076 km stretch divided into five zones from Chennai to Kanyakumari. During the wet season, average microplastics abundance (101 ± 36.6 items/kg dw) was lower compared to the dry season (143 ± 56.2 items/kg dw). Notably, 54% and 45% of microplastics were found in the 0.1-0.5 mm size range, with 45% and 64% being colored microplastics, and 80% and 71% being fibers during the wet and dry seasons respectively. Micro-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (μFTIR) analysis showed rayon (34%) and PE (64%) dominance in ports and estuaries during both seasons. Kottaipattinam Port exhibited higher diversity indices (DI=0.56,DI=0.66,DI=0.50andDI=0.65) compared to other zones, with an overall diversity index IDI of 0.57. Notably, among the DCI values (n = 96), only 12 fell within the moderate photo-chemical oxidation range (0.16-0.35), while the majority (n = 60) surpassed 0.35 indicating higher oxidation levels, with some (n = 24) exceeding 0.50, signifying extreme oxidation. PLI revealed that 42% of sampling stations had very low to negligible MP contamination levels in ports and estuaries. However, ecological risk fraction Rf values ranged from 10.2 to 13,670, with 27% of values exceeding 1500, indicating higher coastal ecological risk in 13 sampling stations.
More Papers Like This
The extent of microplastic pollution along the eastern coast of India: Focussing on marine waters, beach sand, and fish
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination across water, sand, and fish from seven major beaches along India's eastern coast, finding widespread pollution dominated by polyethylene and polystyrene with hazard indices indicating potential ecological risk.
Spatial, seasonal and ecological risk assessment of microplastics in sediment and surface water along the Thoothukudi, south Tamil Nadu, south east India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed the spatial and seasonal variation of microplastics in sediment and surface water along the Thoothukudi coast in southeastern India. The study found significant differences in microplastic abundance across sampling sites and seasons, with monsoon periods recording the highest concentrations, and conducted an ecological risk assessment of the contamination levels.
Seasonal variation, polymer hazard risk and controlling factors of microplastics in beach sediments along the southeast coast of India
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Contaminants and their ecological risk assessment in beach sediments and water along the Maharashtra coast of India: A comprehensive approach using microplastics, heavy metal(loid)s, pharmaceuticals, personal care products and plasticisers
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a comprehensive survey of multiple contaminant types along India's Maharashtra coast, including microplastics, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and plasticizers in both water and sediment. They found widespread contamination with microplastics present at all 17 sampling stations, alongside concerning levels of other pollutants. The study highlights how coastal communities face exposure to a cocktail of emerging contaminants, with microplastics potentially acting as carriers for other harmful substances.
Microplastics' occurrence, distribution, and chemical toxicity in backwater sediments from Puducherry Coast, Southeast India
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
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.