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Source Apportionment of Marine Microplastics: First Step Towards Managing Microplastic Pollution
Summary
Monthly beach sediment sampling in India identified the sources of microplastics deposited on the coast, finding higher plastic loads during monsoon seasons. Identifying specific pollution sources is essential for targeting interventions to reduce microplastic input to marine environments.
Abstract Monthly sampling from August 2018 to December 2019 was carried out in the beach sediments of Calicut to understand the monthly accumulation and deposition pattern of microplastics (MP). The average abundance in terms of items per kg dry sediment during monsoon months was higher than that of non‐monsoon months. The sources and pathways of the sampled microplastics were identified using an existing forensic framework. The pathways of pellets and fibers were seen as drainage outlet and harbor, respectively. Exactly identified sources include polycarbonate urethane (PCU) fragments from foam, polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE)+PP films from paints of boats, and PE and PE+PP from fishing nets. The MP concentration in recreational areas was consistently higher except during flood periods.