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Assessment of microplastic contamination in coastal surface waters: a case study of five beaches in South Goa, India
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A survey of five beaches in South Goa, India found microplastic concentrations averaging 1.21 particles per liter, dominated by fibers and common polymers like polyethylene and polypropylene, with a Pollution Hazard Index categorized at the highest risk level. The findings establish that heavily visited Indian coastal waters face severe microplastic contamination, threatening the rich biodiversity of these ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a pervasive environmental contaminant, posing significant threats to aquatic ecosystems. Coastal regions, which sustain rich biodiversity, are particularly vulnerable to pollution from human activities. This study investigates the spatial variations of MPs, their characteristics, polymer types, and the ecological risks they present in selected southern beaches of Goa, situated along the Southwest coast of India. MP concentrations in surface waters ranged from 0.17 to 2.51 MPs/L across individual stations, with an average abundance of 1.21 MPs/L, indicating notable spatial variation; average concentrations at each beach varied between 0.47 and 2.03 MPs/L. Fibres were the dominant MP shape, while colourless and white MPs were prevalent in all sampled surface waters along beaches. MPs sized between 1 and 5 mm were more common than those in the 0.3–1 mm range. Common polymer types identified through analysis included polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, ethylene vinyl alcohol, and polyurethane. Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis showed varying degrees of surface degradation, indicating prolonged environmental exposure. Risk assessment revealed that the southern beaches are polluted with MPs, as indicated by a Pollution Load Index of 2.5 and a Pollution Hazard Index of > 1000, categorized as hazard level V. These indices provide valuable insights into the extent of MP contamination and its potential risks to the environment. Overall, this study offers critical baseline data on MP pollution in the coastal waters of south Goa beaches. The findings can serve as a foundation for future research on the ecotoxicological impacts of MPs on marine organisms and inform strategies for mitigating plastic pollution in these vulnerable ecosystems.
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Surface water assessment of microplastic contamination at three beaches in North Goa, India
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All three tested beaches in North Goa, India—Baga, Anjuna, and Vagator—showed measurable microplastic contamination in surface water, with fiber shapes and PET polymer most prevalent, and risk indices flagging hazardous pollution levels at every site. These findings underscore that even tourist coastlines in developing regions face serious microplastic threats, with implications for the seafood consumed by local communities and visitors.
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Researchers measured the concentration and types of microplastics in coastal waters of Kerala, India, contributing regional data to the global picture of ocean plastic contamination. Understanding microplastic distribution in coastal zones is critical because these areas are biodiversity hotspots and major sources of seafood consumed by local and global populations.
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Researchers reviewed microplastic contamination across India's coastal ecosystems, synthesizing data on abundance, polymer types, and distribution patterns in sediments, seawater, and marine organisms along some of the world's most densely populated and industrially active coastlines. India's rapidly expanding plastic economy and limited coastal waste management create hotspots of microplastic exposure for both marine wildlife and human communities dependent on coastal fisheries.
Comparative assessment of microplastic pollution in Terekhol and Sal estuaries, Goa, India
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Researchers sampled two estuaries in Goa, India during monsoon season and found microplastic concentrations of 0.25–0.30 particles/L, dominated by polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyamide, with river runoff and fishing activities identified as primary sources. The findings reveal that even relatively underdeveloped coastal regions carry significant microplastic burdens, with surface degradation on particles indicating potential for chemical leaching into marine food webs.
Microplastic Occurrence in Sediments and Associated Ecological Risk: A Study of Saurashtra Coastline, Gujarat, India
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Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in sediments along the Saurashtra coastline in Gujarat, India, documenting MP occurrence and assessing associated ecological risks, including toxicity and bioaccumulation in living organisms including humans.
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