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A first report on the spatial and temporal variability of microplastics in coastal soils of an urban town in south-western India: Pre- and post-COVID scenario
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Temporal monitoring of coastal soil microplastic abundance in an urban area of southwest India between 2019 and 2021 found concentrations nearly doubled from 515 to 960 particles per kg, with the increase attributed in part to enhanced surgical mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We present a first study on the temporal changes (2019-2021) in the microplastic abundance in the coastal soils of an urban town in the south-western part of India. All sampling stations exhibited higher abundances of microplastics in soils collected during 2021 (959.7 ± 277.7 particles/kg) compared to those collected in 2019 (515.1 ± 182.7 particles/kg). Morphologically, flakes, fibres, and films are the most abundant types documented in the soil environment. The microplastics of 0.3-5 mm size are relatively more abundant (60.6 %) compared to those of 0.03-0.3 mm size (39.4 %) in 2021. The three main types of polymers (polypropylene and high- and low-density polyethylene) in the soil exhibited an increase in abundance during an interval of 15 months (October 2019 to March 2021). In addition to packaging materials, the enhanced use of surgical masks during the COVID-19 period might have acted as a source of microplastic contamination in the soils.
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This study analyzed soil contamination from polypropylene microplastics released during the production and use of surgical face masks, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mass production of masks created a large new source of polypropylene microplastics entering soil via improper disposal and manufacturing waste.
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Sediment samples collected across three time periods — monsoon, post-monsoon, and post-COVID — at the Miri coast of Borneo showed a dramatic 148–218% increase in microplastic concentrations in post-COVID samples, likely reflecting increased single-use plastic waste during the pandemic. Fibers dominated (about 64%), with PTFE, PE, and PP as the most common polymer types, and concentrations were highest near river mouths and industrial areas. The findings illustrate how major societal events like a pandemic can rapidly worsen microplastic pollution at the local level.
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Researchers surveyed personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution including face masks and gloves in coastal and marine environments following the COVID-19 pandemic. PPE items were found at all surveyed sites, representing a new category of marine litter with potential to shed microfibers and chemical additives. The study calls for improved waste management strategies for single-use pandemic-related plastics.
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COVID-19 pandemic-related increases in single-use plastic waste significantly elevated microplastic concentrations in coastal water and sediment in Chennai, India, adding a new pollution driver on top of existing sources. This study illustrates how public health crises can create cascading environmental harms that compound long-term microplastic contamination.
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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.