0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Sign in to save

Exploring the presence and distribution of microplastics in subterranean estuaries from southwest India

Marine Pollution Bulletin 2023 41 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 50 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Gokul Valsan, Gokul Valsan, Gokul Valsan, Gokul Valsan, Gokul Valsan, Gokul Valsan, Gokul Valsan, Gokul Valsan, Gokul Valsan, Gokul Valsan, Gokul Valsan, Anish Kumar Warrier Gokul Valsan, Gokul Valsan, Anish Kumar Warrier Gokul Valsan, K. Amrutha, K. Amrutha, K. Amrutha, K. Amrutha, K. Amrutha, S. Anusree, K. Amrutha, K. Amrutha, K. Amrutha, K. Amrutha, K. Amrutha, S. Anusree, Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier Gokul Valsan, Anish Kumar Warrier Gokul Valsan, Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier Gokul Valsan, Gokul Valsan, Gokul Valsan, Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, S. Anusree, K. Amrutha, S. Anusree, S. Anusree, Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Anish Kumar Warrier Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Anish Kumar Warrier K. Amrutha, K. Amrutha, Anish Kumar Warrier K. Amrutha, K. Amrutha, Anish Kumar Warrier K. Amrutha, Gokul Valsan, K. Amrutha, K. Amrutha, K. Amrutha, K. Amrutha, Anish Kumar Warrier K. Amrutha, Gokul Valsan, Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Anish Kumar Warrier S. Anusree, S. Anusree, Gokul Valsan, Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier S. Anusree, Anish Kumar Warrier Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Gokul Valsan, Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Gokul Valsan, Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, S. Anusree, S. Anusree, Anish Kumar Warrier Gokul Valsan, Gokul Valsan, Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Gokul Valsan, Gokul Valsan, Gokul Valsan, Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Gokul Valsan, Anish Kumar Warrier Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Gokul Valsan, Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Anish Kumar Warrier Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier Anish Kumar Warrier

Summary

Researchers explored microplastic distribution in subterranean estuaries of southwest India, finding microplastics in pore water, groundwater, and seawater with fibers as the dominant shape, revealing a previously understudied pathway for plastic contamination.

Study Type Environmental

Rivers, surface runoff, and the wind all transport microplastics (MPs) to the ocean. There is a knowledge gap concerning the distribution of microplastics in transitional subterranean estuaries. Here, we report the presence of microplastics in the pore water, groundwater, and sea water from four locations in southwest India. Pore water, groundwater, and seawater had mean MP abundances (± standard deviations) of 0.75 (±0.66), 0.15 (±0.1), and 0.11 (±0.07) MPs/l, respectively. Fibres were the dominant category of MPs found. Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy revealed the presence of polymers like polyester, low-density polyethylene, and polystyrene. Possible sources of microplastic are fishing activities, tourism, and coastal residents. The microplastics-derived risk assessment scores indicate severe risk to the ecosystems. Fibrous microplastics in pore water indicate that these linear particles can migrate vertically through sandy sediments, reaching subterranean estuaries. We believe submarine groundwater discharge can act as a possible pathway for microplastics to enter the oceans.

Sign in to start a discussion.

Share this paper