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Occurrence and characteristics of fibreglass-reinforced plastics and microplastics on a beach impacted by abandoned fishing boats: A case study from Chellanam, India
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This study examined plastic debris from abandoned fishing boats on an Indian beach and found that fibreglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) fragments dominated both the large plastic pool and contributed significantly to the microplastic fraction. FRP microplastics were found to contain hazardous metals including lead at concentrations high enough to raise ecological concern, highlighting abandoned fishing vessels as an underappreciated localised source of hazardous microplastic contamination.
Plastics and microplastics have been quantified and characterised at disposal sites of abandoned fishing boats and along the high-water line (HWL) of a fish landing centre in Chellanam, India. Fibreglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) made a greater contribution to the plastic pool at the disposal sites (~ 4.5 n m and 18 g m) than the HWL (~ 0.25 n m and < 1 g m) and was an abundant component of the microplastic pool at the former. Infrared analysis of micro-sized FRPs revealed various resins (e.g., alkyd, polyester, epoxy), while X-ray fluorescence analysis of the painted surfaces of meso-sized FRPs returned variable concentrations of copper and lead. Concentrations of Pb were high enough to contaminate sand up to ~400 mg kg. The relatively high density of FRP and its association with glass fibres and metal-bearing paints results in particles with potentially very different fates and toxicities to more "conventional" (non-composite) thermoplastics.
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Researchers and commentators highlight that abandoned fiberglass recreational boats are slowly releasing toxic chemicals and microplastic fibers into coastal waters worldwide, calling attention to a largely overlooked pollution source with no clear regulatory framework for cleanup.
The extent of microplastic pollution along the eastern coast of India: Focussing on marine waters, beach sand, and fish
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Researchers studied microplastics in water and sediment at Chandipur coast, India, finding higher levels before monsoon season than after. The particles, mostly black fibers made of plastics like PVC and polyethylene, carried metals such as zinc and lead on their surfaces, and risk calculations showed some highly hazardous polymer types despite overall low to moderate pollution levels.
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Researchers found that boat paint and epoxy fragments are the leading contributors to microplastic pollution in a protected Andaman bay, with microplastics detected year-round in 299 of 300 samples collected during a meroplankton survey.
Occurrence and characteristics of microplastics in the coral reef, sea grass and near shore habitats of Rameswaram Island, India
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Researchers compared microplastic occurrence and characteristics alongside heavy metal contaminants in water and sediment across coral reef, seagrass, and nearshore habitats of Rameswaram Island, India, finding mean concentrations ranging from 24 to 96 items/L and identifying habitat-specific differences in contamination profiles.
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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.