We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics in beach sediments of the Northern Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh: Insights into occurrence, distribution, pollution indices, and ANN-based risk modeling
Summary
Researchers investigated the occurrence, abundance, distribution, and risk of microplastics in beach sediments at two Bangladeshi coastal sites — Cox's Bazar and Kuakata — finding widespread contamination and raising concern about microplastic pollution in the Northern Bay of Bengal.
Microplastic (MP) pollution in marine ecosystems is a global concern and is increasingly recognized as a pressing issue in the coastal environments of Bangladesh. This study investigates the occurrence, abundance, distribution, and potential risks of MPs in beach sediments of Cox's Bazar and Kuakata beach in the Northern Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. MPs were prevalent across Cox's Bazar and Kuakata beaches, Bangladesh, with Kuakata exhibiting higher MP abundance (769 ± 271.56 items/kg) than Cox's Bazar (350 ± 163.25 items/kg). Fiber MPs dominated, comprising 77% at Cox's Bazar and 74% at Kuakata. Most MPs were 0.1-0.5 mm in size, indicating debris weathering as a primary source. Colors varied, with blue and black MPs dominating. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP) were the predominant polymers, comprising 46% of MPs in Cox's Bazar and 47% in Kuakata. Pollution Load Index values exceeded the recommended value (PLI>1) for Cox's Bazar and Kuakata beaches, signifying notable pollution levels. Polymeric hazard analysis indicated hazards ranging from low to considerable at both sites. However, the ecological Risk Index (ERI) values indicated site specific variations in contamination intensity, with Cox’s Bazar showing generally lower risk levels whereas Kuakata exhibited a wider range of risk from low to very high. Targeted mitigation is essential to address environmental risks.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Distribution, characteristics, and risk assessments analysis of microplastics in shore sediments and surface water of Moheshkhali channel of Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh
Researchers investigated microplastic pollution in the Moheshkhali channel of the Bay of Bengal and found significant contamination in both sediments and surface water, with pollution load indices indicating serious environmental concern.
Microplastics in Sediment of Kuakata Beach, Bangladesh: Occurrence, Spatial Distribution, and Risk Assessment
Researchers conducted the first assessment of microplastic contamination in Kuakata Beach sediments in Bangladesh, finding widespread distribution with fibers and fragments as dominant types, and identifying tourism-related single-use plastics as a primary source of pollution.
Microplastic pollution in coastal Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh: Quantification, distribution, and characteristics
This study surveyed microplastic pollution along the Cox's Bazar coastline in Bangladesh, one of the world's longest beaches, finding significant contamination in both sediments and seawater with levels varying by tidal zone and beach location. Polyethylene was the most common polymer type, and scanning electron microscopy revealed weathered particle surfaces indicating long-term environmental exposure. The findings establish a baseline for microplastic monitoring in a heavily visited coastal region with limited waste management infrastructure.
A novel polymer-sensitive index coupled with multivariate and machine learning modeling for microplastic risk assessment in coastal sediments of the bay of Bengal
Scientists found that popular tourist beaches in Bangladesh have much higher levels of tiny plastic particles (called microplastics) in the sand compared to less-visited areas, with some of the most dangerous types of plastics concentrated where people spend the most time. The researchers discovered that simply counting plastic particles isn't enough—the type of plastic matters more for health risks, since some plastics are more toxic than others. This research shows that heavily-used beaches need better waste management to protect both tourists and local communities from potentially harmful plastic pollution.
From beaches to mangroves: Spatiotemporal mapping and risk profiling of microplastics in coastal Bangladesh
A comprehensive survey of microplastic contamination along the entire coastline of Bangladesh found plastic particles at all 18 sampling sites during both monsoon and winter seasons, with polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene making up the majority of the material. Concentrations averaged 385–471 particles per 100 grams of sediment, and ecological risk assessments classified most sites as ranging from "danger" to "extreme danger" for marine life. Bangladesh's densely populated and heavily plastic-polluted coast represents a serious environmental hotspot requiring urgent monitoring and management.