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Marine plastic studies in the Mid-water column of the North Indian Ocean
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Researchers documented microplastic contamination in the mid-water column of the North Indian Ocean across seven expeditions over two years, covering the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and international shipping routes. The study provides data from a scientifically undersampled ocean region and reveals spatial variation linked to seasonal monsoons and proximity to river discharge.
Marine plastics (MPs) are recognized as an emerging contaminant of growing concern in the marine environment. This paper documents the MP in the mid-water column of data scarce North Indian Ocean. The study utilized data from seven expeditions during 2018 and 2019 in the monsoon, pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The microplastics samples were collected along three sampling transects in the open ocean waters of Bay of Bengal meridional (BoB), Arabian Sea meridional (AS), International shipping route (IS) and stations near selected river discharge areas (Coastal locations). At each station, samples collected using vertical haul of the multi-plankton net (MPN) are analyzed for microplastics more prominent than 300 micrometers in the top 100 m of the water column. The present study shows that microplastics are observed in almost all the locations in the Open Ocean sample of 100m water column in different seasons.
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Pelagic microplastic concentrations were measured in surface water of the eastern Indian Ocean at 36 stations during monsoon and non-monsoon seasons. The study found spatial variation linked to ocean circulation patterns, expanding knowledge of open-ocean microplastic distribution in one of the least-studied major ocean regions.
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Surface sediments from 26 sites in the deep basin of the Eastern Indian Ocean were analyzed for microplastics, finding concentrations ranging widely and influenced by water depth, distance from land, and ocean current patterns. The study extends deep-sea microplastic monitoring to the Indian Ocean and identifies oceanographic transport as a key control on plastic distribution.
A Meta-Analytical Review on Microplastic Pollution in the Indian Ocean
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Researchers conducted a meta-analytical review of microplastic pollution across the Indian Ocean, examining prevalence, characteristics, sources, and distribution patterns. They found that India plays a significant role in contributing to microplastic contamination in the region, with pollution detected across marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The study highlights the need for targeted mitigation strategies based on the specific pollution patterns and sources identified in the Indian Ocean basin.
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