Distribution and Characterization of Microplastics Along the Coastal Shoreline of Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala, India

Plastic pollution has been a widespread issue across the world ever since its invention in the early 1900s to its flourishment during the Industrial Revolution. The viciousness of plastics further elevates with the emergence of microplastics with smaller size and larger surface area than larger plastic debris. Smaller plastic particles of micro- and nano-size range are ubiquitous in all environmental compartments and have the potential to penetrate the biological system resulting in bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Evaluation of the presence of microplastics in the water and soil of an area is necessary for the implementation of precautionary and remedial measures. The present study attempts to evaluate the extent of microplastic pollution along the beaches of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India. Surface sediment samples were collected from 25 locations across the coastal line of Thiruvananthapuram. Microplastics were quantified and categorized based on their colour, shape, size, and composition. Visual identification and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy were used for the estimation. The result revealed that the majority of plastic particles present were fibres accounting for around 80.80%. The maximum distribution of particles was reported from the sampling location at Thazhampalli-Chirayinkeezhu and Bheemapally. Around 78.05% of particles were coloured while the remaining were either white or colourless. Nylon fibres and polypropylene fragments were the dominant polymer types obtained. The results point to the role of fishing activities as the major source of microplastic input along the coastal beach sediments.