Seasonal variation of microplastics in tropical mangrove waters of South-western India

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Regional Studies in Marine Science

Abstract

The current study investigates the seasonal variations in microplastic (MP) contamination, specifically those ranging in size from 0.1 mm to 5 mm, within the tropical mangroves of Kota, South-western India. Mean concentrations ( ± standard deviation) of 1.42 ± 0.92 MPs/L (post-monsoon), 0.62 ± 0.38 MPs/L (pre-monsoon), and 0.19 ± 0.08 MPs/L (monsoon) were observed. Fibers emerged as the most abundant category across all samples, with a dominant size fraction of less than 1 mm. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy-Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) analyses identified various polymer types, including polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Potential sources of microplastic contamination in the region could be ascribed to tourism, marine product-related industries, prawn farming, and residents. The findings of this study offer crucial insights into the seasonal fluctuations of microplastic contamination in the Kota mangrove ecosystem.

DOI

10.1016/j.rsma.2023.103323

Publication Date

1-1-2024

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