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Distribution and characterization of microplastics in beach sediments from Karnataka (India) coastal environments
Summary
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.