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Urbanization increases microplastic pollution in beach sediments along the Chennai Coast, South India
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Surveys of beaches in China found that microplastic concentrations rise with proximity to urban areas, with higher urbanization correlating with more fragments and pellets in sediments. The findings underscore how human population density directly drives coastal microplastic pollution levels.
This study investigates the abundance, distribution, characteristics, and ecological risks of microplastics (MPs) in beach sediments along the Chennai Coast, India. Beach sediment samples from 15 sites were processed to extract and quantify MPs using a stereomicroscope, while polymer composition was identified through Raman spectroscopy. Nylon (91.2 %) was the dominant polymer, followed by polystyrene (4.4 %), polyethylene (3.98 %), and polypropylene (0.6 %). Most particles were < 1000 μm (74.8 %), indicating strong fragmentation and persistence. The mean abundance was 30.13 ± 3.13 MPs/kg, markedly lower than levels reported for highly polluted global beaches. The Microplastics Pollution Index (MPPI) categorized the Chennai coast as low in abundance (2-5), while the Coefficient of Microplastic Impact (CMPI) suggested notable ecological effects from fiber-shaped MPs. Risk indices including the Polymer Hazard Index (PHI), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) revealed contrasting results low to minor risk by PLI but high to hazardous risk (categories IV-V) by PHI and PERI, primarily due to nylon dominance. SEM images revealed surface degradation, fractures, and adherence of particles, indicating aging and possible long-distance transport. Although overall abundance was relatively low, the predominance of hazardous polymers highlights growing ecological concern. Strengthening solid waste management, encouraging biodegradable alternatives, and recycling fishing gear are vital measures to mitigate microplastic pollution along the Chennai coast.
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Researchers characterized microplastics in surface water, groundwater, and coastal sediments along Chennai's densely populated coast in South India, finding widespread contamination with fibers as the dominant shape and identifying urban proximity as a key factor in microplastic abundance.
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Researchers quantified microplastic contamination across 25 beaches along the Maharashtra coast of India, finding widespread pollution with significant variation between sites. They identified microplastic concentrations correlated with anthropogenic activities near each sampling location. The study provides baseline data on coastal microplastic pollution in this densely populated region and highlights the connection between human activity and beach contamination levels.
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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.