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Distribution and characterization of microplastics in beach sediments from Karnataka (India) coastal environments
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Researchers surveyed five beaches along the Arabian Sea coast in Karnataka, India, and found microplastic concentrations ranging from 264 to 1,002 particles per kilogram of dry sand. The majority of particles were small fragments less than 1 millimeter in size, and microscopy revealed signs of extensive environmental weathering. The study provides important baseline data on microplastic contamination along India's western coastline.
The presence of microplastic particles from five different beach locations (Arabian Sea coast) in the Indian state of Karnataka was assessed. The sieving and density separation method was modified to enhance the yield of microplastics. Three different techniques were used to characterize isolated microplastics, such as optical fluorescence microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and FESEM-EDX. Microplastic concentrations ranged from 264 ± 62 n/kg to 1002 ± 174 n/kg of dry sand in beach sediments, and the average abundance of the five beaches was 664 ± 114 n/kg. The majority of the microplastics were fragmented, <1 mm in size, white and transparent in color. FESEM images of microplastics show the roughness, cracks, mechanical and oxidative weathering, indicating their continuous exposure in the environment. EDX spectra provide the presence of various elements on the microplastic surface.
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Distribution and characterization of microplastics in beach sand from three different Indian coastal environments
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Beach sands from three locations on the Indian coast were analyzed for microplastics, finding concentrations of 45–220 particles/kg dry sand with polyethylene (43%) as the dominant polymer, followed by PET and polystyrene. The study establishes baseline contamination data for Indian beaches and demonstrates consistent polymer profiles across geographically distinct coastal environments.
Abundance, characteristics and surface degradation features of microplastics in beach sediments of five coastal areas in Tamil Nadu, India
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Microplastic abundance and surface weathering features were characterized in beach sediments from five coastal areas in Tamil Nadu, India, with concentrations reaching up to 439 particles per kg and polyethylene and polypropylene dominating.
An assessment of microplastic contamination in beach sediment of Maharashtra State, India, with special reference to anthropogenic activities
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Researchers quantified microplastic contamination across 25 beaches along the Maharashtra coast of India, finding widespread pollution with significant variation between sites. They identified microplastic concentrations correlated with anthropogenic activities near each sampling location. The study provides baseline data on coastal microplastic pollution in this densely populated region and highlights the connection between human activity and beach contamination levels.
Quantitative assessment of microplastic in sandy beaches of Gujarat state, India
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Researchers quantified microplastic contamination across 20 sandy beaches on the Gujarat coast of India, finding average abundances ranging from 1.4 to 26 MPs per kilogram of sediment, with higher concentrations at beaches under greater anthropogenic pressure. Thread/fiber morphologies were the most abundant type, and the spatial distribution reflected local population density and tourist activity.
Seasonal distribution and abundance of microplastics in the coastal sediments of north eastern Arabian Sea
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Researchers documented seasonal variation in microplastic abundance along India's North Eastern Arabian Sea coast, finding 4,400 to 15,300 items per kilogram of dry sediment with fibers as the dominant form across ten identified polymer types.
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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.