We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Identification and Spatial Distribution of Microplastics in the Coastal Regions of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastic particles were found across all 20 sampling sites along the Cox's Bazar coastline in Bangladesh, with fibrous white particles dominant and polymer types including rayon, nylon, and polyethylene identified via FTIR spectroscopy. The widespread distribution across one of the world's longest natural sea beaches signals significant pollution pressure on a coastline critical for both ecology and local livelihoods.
Microplastic accumulation in the marine environment has been of great concern and considered to be a growing problem in the coastal sediments of Bangladesh. This research represents the identification of microplastic and its type of polymer and its large scale abundance along the beach sediment of Cox’s Bazar where sediment samples have been collected from 20 locations across 9 regions. In order to understand the potential impacts associated with microplastic pollution in Cox’s Bazar coastal area, quantification, identification and spatial distribution of the types of microplastic and polymer have been done from the collected samples of Cox’s Bazar shoreline region. All sediments analyzed through visual and SEM identification contained microplastic particles (<5 mm). The majority of the microplastics were fibrous, and white in color which accounted for more than 70% of the total microplastics. Using ATR FTIR spectroscopy, we identified the type of polymer present. Evaluation of qualitative measurements of various polymer types has been done, including rayon, nylon, polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PU), alkyd, epoxy, and the polyethylene–polypropylene copolymer (PE + PP). Quantitative analysis of the validated microplastics has been done manually. Rayon, nylon, polyethylene are the most abundant ones whereas polypropylene has been found to be the least abundant. Insights into the extent of the microplastic abundance along the shoreline in specific sampled regions have been illustrated using analytical tools. Microplastic plastic concentration has been found to be highest in the regions of Laboni point and Kolatoli point in the Cox’s Bazar beach. On the contrary, Himchori and Bardeil areas show the lowest abundance of microplastic that can be correlated with the growth of tourism centered urbanization and settlements. This investigation is the in-depth analysis of microplastics concentration in the coastal region of Bangladesh which displays the emerging pollution of coastal sediments. The findings of this work can help identify potential sources of microplastics which can be utilized to improve the coastal environment and provide valuable clues to coastal zone management in Cox’s Bazar shoreline region.
More Papers Like This
Assessment of spatial distribution, sources, and ecological risks of microplastics in the estuarine and coastal regions of the northern Bay of Bengal
AI summary Read the abstract
Surveys of the northeastern Bay of Bengal found surface water MP concentrations up to 1,640 items/m³ in the Karnaphuli estuary, dominated by fiber-shaped polypropylene particles, with pollution risk indices ranging from medium to very high across estuarine and coastal zones. The high MP burden in this densely populated coastal region poses serious risks to marine biodiversity, local fisheries, and the millions of people who depend on Bay of Bengal seafood as a dietary staple.
Characterisation and distribution of microplastics in the inner shelf sediments of the southeast coast of India, Bay of Bengal
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers sampled seafloor sediments along India's southeast coast in the Bay of Bengal and found widespread microplastic contamination, documenting the types, shapes, and chemical makeup of the particles. The findings reveal how plastic pollution is building up in coastal marine sediments that support fisheries and local food supplies.
Occurrence and Risk Assessment of Microplastics Pollution in the World’s Longest Natural Beach, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were found at every site surveyed along Cox's Bazar, the world's longest natural beach in Bangladesh, with concentrations up to 1,060 particles per kilogram of sediment and the highest pollution near tourist-heavy areas. The findings show that beach tourism and nearby aquaculture are significant local sources of microplastic contamination in coastal sediments.
A critical review of the emerging research on the detection and assessment of microplastics pollution in the coastal, marine, and urban Bangladesh
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed emerging studies on microplastic pollution in Bangladesh, finding contamination across coastal beaches, marine fish, and urban environments tied to tourism and fishing activities, and highlighting the urgent need for health impact assessments and pollution-reduction policies in rapidly developing nations.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.