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Spatiotemporal variations of microplastics in the surface sediments of a tropical mangrove ecosystem in south-western India
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Researchers studied microplastic distribution in mangrove sediments along India's southwestern coast across different seasons and found contamination present year-round. Microplastic concentrations varied seasonally, with higher levels detected during certain periods linked to monsoon runoff and human activity. The study highlights that mangrove ecosystems, which provide critical environmental services, are accumulating microplastic pollution from surrounding areas.
Mangroves are crucial ecosystems that play a role in carbon sequestration, shoreline fortification, and provide habitats for diverse species. In developing nations like India, there is a need for more knowledge on the occurrence and distribution of MPs in mangrove forests under changing seasons. Our investigation aimed to fulfil this research gap by studying the seasonal patterns of microplastic distribution within the sediments of the Kota mangroves in south-western India. The mean (± standard deviation) microplastic abundance was 1418.52 (±1404.34) MPs/kg during the wet season and 1414.32 (±1368.65) MPs/kg during the dry season. A consistent pattern in microplastic categories was observed, with fibres being the predominant shape followed by film, fragment, and foam. Microplastics of size 0.1–0.3mm were dominant in all seasons. Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) and Raman Spectroscopy analyses revealed the presence of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polystyrene. Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy between control and extracted samples revealed adsorption of Cd, Zn, Pb, Fe, and Ni onto the extracted microplastics. The primary contributors to the MP pollution were attributed to fishing related activities, fish meal processing industry, tourism, and local households. This study established a baseline information on the seasonal dynamics governing the distribution of microplastics in sediment of Kota mangroves.
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Seasonal variation of microplastics in tropical mangrove waters of South-western India
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Researchers measured seasonal variations in microplastic contamination within tropical mangrove waters in South-Western India. They found that post-monsoon concentrations were highest at 1.42 microplastics per liter, while monsoon season had the lowest levels at 0.19 per liter. Fibers were the most common particle type, with polymers including polypropylene, PET, and polyethylene identified, likely originating from local tourism, aquaculture, and marine industries.
Occurrence, distribution and characterization of microplastics from a tropical blue carbon ecosystem in southwest india
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Microplastics were found in mangrove sediments along a tropical coastline, with concentrations varying by location depending on proximity to urban areas and river inputs. Mangroves are increasingly recognized as habitats that trap both terrestrial and marine plastic debris, concentrating it in their sediments. The findings add to growing evidence that mangrove ecosystems are significant sinks for microplastic pollution with potential consequences for the rich biodiversity they support.
Assessment of secondary microplastics trapped in mangrove ecosystem of a highly populated tropical megacity, India
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Researchers quantified microplastic contamination in Mumbai's mangrove ecosystem across six zones and 30 sampling sites. They found an average of 6,730 microplastic particles per kilogram of dry sediment, dominated by fibers and polyethylene, with concentrations decreasing at greater sediment depths, highlighting the need for management policies to protect coastal environments.
Spatial, seasonal and ecological risk assessment of microplastics in sediment and surface water along the Thoothukudi, south Tamil Nadu, south east India
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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 and spatial variations in the distribution pattern, sources and impacts of microplastics along different coastal zones of Tamil Nadu, India
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Surveys of four coastal zones in Tamil Nadu, India found microplastics in both sediments and water at all sites, with the highest concentrations during the monsoon season when river runoff carries more plastic waste into the ocean. The researchers identified 16–23 different polymer types per season and found that weathered particles were carrying hazardous heavy metals on their surfaces. The study provides one of the most detailed spatiotemporal profiles of coastal microplastic contamination in India, underscoring the need for urgent pollution control measures in heavily populated coastal regions.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.