We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Abundance and distribution of subsurface microfibres and seabed macrolitter in Thoothukudi, Gulf of Mannar, South-east coast of India
AI summary Read the abstract
This study measured the abundance and distribution of microfibers and larger plastic litter in coastal waters and seafloor sediments off Thoothukudi, India, finding widespread contamination. Microfibers were present throughout inshore waters, contributing to the growing body of evidence for plastic contamination along India's coastlines.
Aim: Considering the potential harm caused by plastic pollution to the marine ecosystem, the present study was conducted to elucidate the status of microfiber and macrolitter in the selected areas of Thoothukudi on the South-east coast of India. Methodology: The abundance and distribution of subsurface microfibers in four locations of Tuticorin inshore waters were estimated by filtering subsurface waters using a 250µm mesh epineuston net. The non-biodegradable macrolitter on the seabed at three locations of Thoothukudi was estimated by swept area method. Results: Among the four selected stations, a higher quantity of microfibres was observed in the subsurface waters at 5m depth close to nearshore areas, with the highest mean numerical abundance of 3.13±0.3 nos.m l-1. The annual difference in the subsurface microfibre abundance varied significantly between stations (p<0.05). Plastics were the most dominant litter constituents on the sea beds among three stations. A significant seasonal variation (p<0.05) with maximum mean total macrolitter abundance was noticed on the seabed at Kayalpattinam (45.81± 9.3 kg km-2). The estimated mean macrolitter abundance at all the stations was higher than the reported national average of 10.95±3.05 kg km-2. Interpretation: This study revealed variations in the abundance and distribution of microfibers and macrolitters in the selected areas of Tuticorin. The study emphasises the role of land and marine-based anthropogenic activities in the plastic pollution of this region. Key words: Abundance, Gulf of mannar, Microfibres, Macrolitter, Subsurface waters, Seabed
More Papers Like This
Contamination of microplastics, surface morphology and risk assessment in beaches along the Thoothukudi coast, Gulf of Mannar region
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in beach sediments along the Thoothukudi coast in India, finding widespread presence of fragments and films with high ecological risk scores, alongside surface morphological analysis revealing weathering and chemical changes consistent with long-term environmental exposure.
Macro-, meso- and microplastic debris in the beaches of Tuticorin district, Southeast coast of India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed eight sandy beaches along the Tuticorin district coast in southeast India for macro-, meso-, and microplastic debris. The study found microplastic concentrations ranging from 25 to 83 items per square meter, with contamination levels varying by site depending on the intensity of fishing and other human activities, confirming widespread plastic pollution along India's southeastern coastline.
Spatial, seasonal and ecological risk assessment of microplastics in sediment and surface water along the Thoothukudi, south Tamil Nadu, south east India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed the spatial and seasonal variation of microplastics in sediment and surface water along the Thoothukudi coast in southeastern India. The study found significant differences in microplastic abundance across sampling sites and seasons, with monsoon periods recording the highest concentrations, and conducted an ecological risk assessment of the contamination levels.
Distribution and characterization of microplastic from reef associated surface sediments of Vembar group of Islands, Gulf of Mannar, India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers collected reef sediment samples from three islands in the Vembar group in the Gulf of Mannar and found microplastic contamination dominated by polypropylene (most abundant), nylon (32.3%), polyethylene (19.6%), and polystyrene (5.7%), with irregular and fiber shapes predominating and Upputhanni Island showing the highest particle count at 154 particles.
Microplastics accumulation in pelagic and benthic species along the Thoothukudi coast, South Tamil Nadu, India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in the digestive tracts of fish and shellfish along the Thoothukudi coast in southern India. They found microplastics in both open-water and bottom-dwelling species, with bottom-dwellers accumulating slightly more particles, predominantly polyethylene fibers. The findings confirm that microplastic contamination is widespread across marine habitats in the region and underline the need for better plastic waste management.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.