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Microplastics and metal contamination in coastal waters off Kochi and associated risks
Summary
Microplastic and metal contamination were documented together in water, sediment, and fish tissue from the Kochi coastal ecosystem, with fiber-dominated water column contamination and species-specific accumulation patterns showing that feeding habitat drives pollutant uptake. The co-occurrence and potential biomagnification of microplastics alongside heavy metals in seafood poses compounded health risks for coastal populations who rely on local fish for nutrition.
Microplastic and metal pollution in coastal regions poses a severe threat to marine ecosystems. This study evaluates the sources, distribution, and impacts of microplastics and metals in the coastal ecosystem of Kochi, using water, sediment, and biota samples from the Cochin estuary and the coastal waters off Kochi. Microplastic contamination was higher in the estuarine station (38.17 ± 16.12 numbers/m3) and lower in the offshore station (10.5 ± 5.82 numbers/m3). Black-coloured microplastics were prevalent in water (38.75 ± 15.04 numbers/m3), sediment (156 ± 112.74 numbers/kg), and biota (17.77 ± 8.14 numbers/g) samples. Fibres (61.62 ± 26.22 numbers/m3) were dominant in the water column, and fragments dominated the sediment (244.75 ± 164.42 numbers/kg) and biota (23 ± 11.62 numbers/g) samples. Alepes melanoptera had the highest (7.8947/g) number of microplastics. Metal analysis showed that offshore stations had a high concentration of metals (Fe: 139 ppb, Pb: 4.4 ppb, Ni: 5.4 ppb, Cd: 5.4 ppb). Epinephelus diacanthus had the highest concentration of metals (Fe: 164 ppm, Cu: 4.37 ppm, Zn: 51 ppm, Cr: 11.5 ppm). The feeding habits and habitats influence the intake of microplastics and metals. Bioaccumulation and biomagnification pose health hazards, especially for seafood-dependent populations. This study emphasizes the need for better waste management and pollution control to protect marine and human health.