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RETRACTED: Managing the invisible threat of microplastics in marine ecosystems: Lessons from coast of the Bay of Bengal
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This study surveyed microplastic contamination across multiple marine environments along the Bay of Bengal coast, including beaches, surface water, and sediment. Researchers found microplastics at every sampling site, with fibers being the dominant shape and polyethylene the most common polymer type. The findings highlight the extent of plastic pollution in a coastal region that supports millions of people through fishing and aquaculture.
Invisible microplastics (MP) have become a significant problem worldwide in recent years. Although many studies have highlighted the sources, effects, and fate of MPs pollution on various ecosystems in developed countries, there is limited information on MPs in the marine ecosystem along the northeastern coast of the Bay of Bengal (BoB). Coastal ecosystems along the BoB coasts are critical to a biodiverse ecology that supports human survival and resource extraction. However, the multi-environmental hotspots, ecotoxicity effects, transport mechanisms, fates, and intervention measures to control MP pollution initiatives along the BoB coasts have received little attention. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the multi-environmental hotspots, ecotoxicity effects, sources, fates, and intervention measures of MP in the northeastern BoB to understand how MP spreads in the nearshore marine ecosystem. This study critically evaluates the hotspots and ecotoxic effects of pollution from MP on the coastal multi-environment, e.g., soil, sediment, salt, water, and fish, as well as current intervention measures and additional mitigation recommendations. This study identified the northeastern part of the BoB as a hotspot for MP. In addition, the transport mechanisms and fate of MP in different environmental compartments are highlighted, as are research gaps and potential future research areas. Research on the ecotoxic effects of MP on BoB marine ecosystems must be a top priority, given the increasing use of plastics and the presence of significant marine products worldwide. The knowledge gained from this study would inform decision-makers and stakeholders in a way that could reduce the impact of the legacy of micro- and nanoplastics in the area. This study also proposes structural and non-structural measures to mitigate the effects of MPs and promote sustainable management.
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RETRACTED: >Microplastics in different fish and shellfish species in the mangrove estuary of Bangladesh and evaluation of human exposure
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This retracted study investigated microplastic abundance in twenty fish and shellfish species from the Sundarbans mangrove estuary in Bangladesh. Researchers found microplastics in all samples, with bottom-feeding species showing the highest contamination levels, and estimated that the average person in Bangladesh may ingest over 85,000 microplastic particles per year through seafood consumption. The dominant polymer types identified were polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyamide.
Assessment of microplastics in coastal ecosystem of Bangladesh
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Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in water, beach sand, and fish along two major coastal areas of Bangladesh. Microplastics were found in every sample type, with fibers being the most common shape and polyethylene and polypropylene the dominant plastic types. Fish accumulated microplastics in their digestive tracts and body tissues, raising concerns about human exposure through seafood consumption in the region.
Quantification, characterization and risk assessment of microplastics from five major estuaries along the northern Bay of Bengal coast
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Researchers measured microplastic pollution in five major estuaries along the Bay of Bengal coast in Bangladesh and found contamination at every site, with polyethylene being the most common plastic type. The rivers were classified at the most severe hazard level for microplastic contamination based on the types of polymers found. Since these estuaries supply water and fish to millions of people, the contamination raises concerns about human exposure through drinking water and seafood.
Occurrence, characterization, and source delineation of microplastics in the coastal waters and shelf sediments of the central east coast of India, Bay of Bengal
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This study characterized microplastics in surface water and shelf sediments along 1,200 km of India's east coast, finding average concentrations of 5.3 million particles per square kilometer in surface water and 209 particles per kilogram in sediments. Fibers dominated surface water while fragments dominated sediments, with riverine inputs and fishing activities identified as primary sources.
Sources and impacts of microplastic on the world’s longest sea beach of the Bay of Bengal coasts: a review on microplastic management
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This review summarizes microplastic pollution along the Bay of Bengal, the world's longest sea beach, covering sources, distribution, and impacts on the coastal ecosystem. Microplastics in this region come from fishing, tourism, shipping, and urban runoff, and they threaten both marine life and the communities that depend on sea products. The authors call for stronger policies and more long-term research to protect this important ecosystem and reduce human exposure through seafood.
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