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Evidence of microplastics pollution in coastal beaches and waters in southern Sri Lanka
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Researchers found microplastic pollution along 91 km of coastline in southern Sri Lanka, with 60% of beach sand sites and 70% of surface water sites testing positive, characterizing the polymers, shapes, and colors present across the sampled coastal environments.
The abundance of microplastics (MPs) in surface water and beach sediment in Southern Sri Lanka covering a distance of 91 km of coastline is reported. MPs were classified according to polymer type, geometry and color of the sites tested 60% showed MP contamination in sand and 70% in surface waters off the coast. The size range of MPs from surface waters and beaches were to 1.5-2.5 mm and 3-4.5 mm, respectively. Majority of these were identified as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) with some polystyrene (PS) foam at a few sites. Fragments derived from larger debris appears to be the dominant type of MP at most sites and only 2 sites showed virgin pellets that accounted for 14% of the samples collected.
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Sampling and Analysis of Microplastics in the Coastal Environments of Sri Lanka: Estuaries of the Kelani River to Mahaoya
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Microplastics were found in both beach sediments and coastal seawater along 42 kilometers of Sri Lanka's western coastline, with polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene being the most common types. The results document significant plastic contamination along the coast of a densely populated South Asian nation, raising concerns about exposure for coastal communities and marine life in the Indian Ocean region.
Sampling and Analysis of Microplastics in the Coastal Environments of Sri Lanka: Estuaries of Kelani River to Mahaoya
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Microplastic abundance and types were quantified in beach sediments and seawater across nine sites along 42 km of Sri Lanka's western coast, documenting widespread contamination in estuarine and coastal environments.
Water quality and floating microplastics pollution along Southern to Northwestern Coast, Sri Lanka
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Researchers surveyed microplastic levels and water quality at 12 coastal sites along Sri Lanka's western and southern coast, finding microplastics present at all locations with fibers being the dominant form. The study also found correlations between microplastic abundance and certain water quality parameters, suggesting that areas with poorer water quality tended to have higher plastic loads. The research adds to growing evidence that South Asian coastal waters are significantly contaminated with microplastics, with potential implications for marine food webs and fishing communities.
Evidence of Microplastic Contamination in Surface Waters and Sediment of Kelani River Estuary
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Researchers collected water and sediment samples from nine locations along the Kelani River estuary in Sri Lanka and found evidence of microplastic contamination at all sites from headwaters to the coast. The study is one of the first to document microplastic pollution in Sri Lankan waterways, highlighting a gap in regional monitoring.
Contamination of microplastics in tropical coral reef ecosystems of Sri Lanka
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Researchers investigated microplastic contamination across ten coral reef ecosystems in Sri Lanka, finding microplastics in corals, water, and sediments with fibers and fragments being the dominant types, representing a previously unquantified threat to tropical reef systems.
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.