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Microplastics in the sediments along the eastern Arabian Sea shelf: Distribution, governing factors and risk assessment

The Science of The Total Environment 2023 38 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 50 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.

Priyansha Gupta, Chayanika Rathore, Chayanika Rathore, Chayanika Rathore, Chayanika Rathore, Chayanika Rathore, Priyansha Gupta, Priyansha Gupta, Chayanika Rathore, Priyansha Gupta, Priyansha Gupta, Priyansha Gupta, Mahua Saha Mahua Saha Mahua Saha Mahua Saha Mahua Saha Mahua Saha Priyansha Gupta, Mahua Saha Chayanika Rathore, Priyansha Gupta, Mahua Saha Mahua Saha Mahua Saha Mahua Saha Chayanika Rathore, V. Suneel, Mahua Saha Priyansha Gupta, Priyansha Gupta, V. Suneel, Mahua Saha Chayanika Rathore, Chayanika Rathore, Mahua Saha Chayanika Rathore, Chayanika Rathore, Chayanika Rathore, Chayanika Rathore, V. Suneel, V. Suneel, V. Suneel, Priyansha Gupta, Mahua Saha Mahua Saha Priyansha Gupta, Priyansha Gupta, Mahua Saha Mahua Saha Mahua Saha Chayanika Rathore, Chayanika Rathore, Chayanika Rathore, V. Suneel, Chayanika Rathore, Chayanika Rathore, Chayanika Rathore, Chayanika Rathore, Mahua Saha A.V. Chndrasekhararao, A.V. Chndrasekhararao, Chayanika Rathore, Chayanika Rathore, Priyansha Gupta, Chayanika Rathore, Mahua Saha Chayanika Rathore, Chayanika Rathore, Chayanika Rathore, V. Suneel, Chayanika Rathore, G.V.M. Gupta, Mahua Saha Mahua Saha Chayanika Rathore, C.K. Junaid, Priyansha Gupta, G.V.M. Gupta, C.K. Junaid, Chayanika Rathore, Chayanika Rathore, Mahua Saha G.V.M. Gupta, Mahua Saha Mahua Saha

Summary

Researchers mapped microplastic distribution in sediments along the eastern Arabian Sea shelf across seven coastal transects, finding the highest concentrations off Mumbai at 2500 particles per kilogram. The study found that northern shelf regions had greater contamination than central and southern areas, with microplastic distribution influenced by proximity to urban centers, river inputs, and ocean currents.

Polymers

LDPE PE PP

Study Type Environmental

Despite the omnipresence of microplastics (MPs), the studies around the western continental shelf of Indian Ocean (Eastern Arabian Sea-EAS) are uncovered and understudied. Thus, the present study was focused to understand the spatial distribution, characterization and risk assessment of MPs in sediment across seven coastal transects (10 to 50 m) all along the EAS shelf. The highest MPs concentration (MPs/kg d.w.) was detected in the northern EAS (NEAS; 2260 ± 1050) followed by central (CEAS; 1550 ± 1012) and southern (SEAS; 1300 ± 513) shelves. Among all distinct locations, the highest concentration of MPs (2500 ± 1042) was detected in the north coastal sediments off Mumbai, followed by off Mangalore (1480 ± 1169) in the center and off Kochi (1350 ± 212) in the south. MPs were found in the form of fibres, fragments and films with a predominance of fibres (~70-80 %). Approximately 74.6 % of the total MPs were in the size range of 300 μm to 5 mm. The surface of detected MPs was rough, irregular, and mechanical weathering features such as pits, grooves also observed and spotted with bacterial community structures. Polypropylene (PP; 34 %), polyisoprene (PIP; 19 %), butyl rubber (18 %), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE; 13 %) were dominant polymers. The pollution load index highlighted minor risk while the polymer hazard index exhibited a hazard level of V. Litter discharge, fishing activities, and active marine navigation are among the many high-risk sources of plastic contamination in this region. Due to the prevailing winds, currents, low sea surface height, and high precipitation, the conditions in the EAS are favorable for the accumulation of both sea-based and land-based particles. Hence, this study provides novel insights into the potential risks posed by MP to the IO rim and associated marine ecosystem which will enhance our knowledge of the ecological implications and consequences of MP pollution, ultimately aiding in developing effective management and mitigation strategies.

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