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Distribution of Microplastics and Their Effect on the Microalgae Population in the Inshore Waters of the Bay of Bengal
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Researchers studying the Bay of Bengal found that microplastic fibers — primarily nylon — were widespread in coastal waters near Chennai, India, and that higher microplastic concentrations were associated with lower microalgae populations, suggesting plastic pollution may be disrupting the base of the marine food web.
The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between microplastic pollution and the microalgal population in the Bay of Bengal near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The microplastic contents and the number of microalgal cells in the surface water samples collected during November 2020 from the study areas were analyzed. The samples were collected using glass bottles. Microplastics in the form of fibers were predominant in the study area. Among the sampling locations, Besant Nagar harbored the highest fiber content of 122 nos /L samples. The percent distribution of fibers in Marina, Besant Nagar, and Kasimedu was 35%, 46%, and 34% respectively. The microplastics in fiber form were confirmed as nylon and fragments were confirmed as polyethylene, PET, and polypropylene types. The chlorophyll contents of the samples of Besant Nagar were found to be more when compared to Marina and Kasimedu. The chlorophyll a,b, and c contents of the samples of Besant Nagar were 23 ± 1.2, 10.54 ± 1.0, and 13.04 ± 0.06 µg/L, respectively. The results of the study indicated that fishing activity, river inputs, and tourism play an important role in microplastic pollution in the marine environment. The Pearson coefficient (r) value for microplastic content and the microalgal population was − 0.56, -0.20, and − 0.28 for Kasimedu, Marina, and Besant Nagar respectively.
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Surveys of the northeastern Bay of Bengal found surface water MP concentrations up to 1,640 items/m³ in the Karnaphuli estuary, dominated by fiber-shaped polypropylene particles, with pollution risk indices ranging from medium to very high across estuarine and coastal zones. The high MP burden in this densely populated coastal region poses serious risks to marine biodiversity, local fisheries, and the millions of people who depend on Bay of Bengal seafood as a dietary staple.
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Researchers characterized the distribution, polymer composition, and ecological impacts of microplastics in India's marine ecosystems — including oceanic zones, coastal waters, and marine organisms — highlighting polymer degradation pathways and bioaccumulation in marine food webs. With India's coastline spanning over 7,500 km and supporting major fisheries, marine microplastic contamination poses direct risks to seafood safety and coastal community health.
Characterization and seasonal distribution of microplastics in the nearshore sediments of the south-east coast of India, Bay of Bengal
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