We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Ecological footprint of microplastics in coastal and estuarine environments of India: Sediment-water interface analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
This study mapped microplastic pollution across 16 coastal and estuarine sites along India's coastline, finding contamination everywhere with concentrations varying based on local human activities like port operations, tourism, and fishing. The microplastics were mostly small fibers and fragments under 500 micrometers, and certain plastic types were especially good at absorbing heavy metals. This means microplastics in coastal waters serve as carriers that can transport toxic metals into the seafood chain and ultimately into human diets.
Understanding the distribution and characteristics of microplastics (MPs) in varied aquatic ecosystems is essential for assessing their environmental impact. This study investigates microplastic pollution across 16 coastal and estuarine sites along the Indian coastline, spanning distinct marine regimes including the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Mannar, aiming to compare site-specific contamination and assess the potential of plastic debris to act as vectors for associated heavy metals. MP abundance in surface water and sediment ranged from 1.1 to 4.8 particles/L and 416.7-983.3 particles/kg, respectively, reflecting strong spatial heterogeneity driven by site specific human activity (port operations, tourism, fishing etc.), hydrodynamics, and ecological conditions. MPs were primarily fibres and fragments <500 μm in size, with black, white, and blue being the most common colours. SEM-EDS analysis qualitatively indicated surface weathering and the presence of elements on microplastic surfaces, particularly in fragments, which showed greater potential for heavy metal adsorption compared to fibres. Raman spectroscopy identified 12 polymer types in MPs and 10 in macro-plastic debris, with common polymers (e.g., PP, PS, PES, PU, and PE) suggesting shared sources. ICP-OES results confirmed that certain polymers (notably PES and HDPE) retained substantial amounts of metals such as Fe, Zn, Mg, and Ca, highlighting polymer-specific sorption behaviour which is strongly influenced by natural availability as well as different ionic states of metals, polymer-specific surface chemistry, degree of environmental weathering, and surface morphology. Pollution Load Index (PLI) values ranged 1.0-2.045 across different study sites, identifying several regions as pollution hotspots. Overall, this study not only quantifies MP pollution but also links polymer-specific properties to metal retention potential, highlighting the dual threat of MPs as both physical and chemical pollutants in Indian aquatic environments.
More Papers Like This
Assessment of potential ecological risk of microplastics in the coastal sediments of India: A meta-analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
This meta-analysis assesses the ecological risk of microplastics in coastal sediments along India's coastline, finding high hazard levels in several areas. The presence of harmful plastic polymers in coastal sediments is concerning because these areas are important for fishing and seafood harvesting that feeds millions of people.
Assessment of Microplastic Pollution Across the Malabar Coast, India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in water, sediment, and commercially important fish along the Malabar coast in India. They found microplastics in all sample types, with the highest concentrations in fish gastrointestinal and gill tissues, predominantly consisting of fragments and fibers of common plastics like HDPE, PET, and nylon. The study points to direct discharges, runoff, and poor wastewater management as key sources, underscoring the need for regulatory measures to protect both marine ecosystems and the people who consume seafood from the region.
Microplastics pollution in tropical estuary (Muttukadu Backwater), Southeast Coast of India: Occurrence, distribution characteristics, potential sources and ecological risk assessment
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists surveyed microplastic contamination in the water and sediments of a tropical estuary on India's southeast coast. They found moderate to high levels of microplastic pollution, with common polymers like polyethylene and polystyrene contributing the most to ecological risk. The presence of trace metals on microplastic surfaces suggests these particles may also serve as carriers for heavy metal contamination in coastal ecosystems.
Holistic assessment of microplastics in various coastal environmental matrices, southwest coast of India
AI summary Read the abstract
A comprehensive assessment of microplastic pollution along the southwest coast of India analyzed multiple environmental matrices including water, sediments, and biota, finding plastic contamination throughout coastal systems. The holistic approach revealed how microplastics move through coastal food webs and identified fishing and tourism activities as key local sources.
Spatial heterogeneity of microplastic pollution and associated emerging contaminants in tropical estuarine environments: Novel insights into distribution, bioavailability, and ecological risk
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found tiny plastic particles in water, mud, and seafood like shellfish and crabs in two river areas in India. These microplastics carry harmful chemicals and are getting into the food chain, which could affect the safety of seafood that people eat. While the current risk appears low, this research shows we need better policies to reduce plastic pollution to protect both ocean ecosystems and human food sources.
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.