Characterization and seasonal distribution of microplastics in the nearshore sediments of the south-east coast of India, Bay of Bengal

Highlight

• MPs in the coastal sediment of south-east coast of India are quantified.

• High MPs are recorded near river mouths and nearshore regions.

• Polyethylene and polypropylene are the major polymers observed.

• MPs contamination is higher than the values reported elsewhere.

Abstract

In view of increasing Microplastics (MPs) contamination in the marine environment and dearth of baseline data, a study was conducted on the abundance, characterization, and seasonal distribution of MPs in the nearshore sediments of the south-east coast of India. Sediment samples (n = 130) were collected at a distance of 1 km and 10 km from the shore region at varying depths (8–45 m) along the Chennai to Puducherry coast (165 km stretch), representing two seasons, i.e., south-west (July 2019 and July 2020) and north-east (January 2020) monsoons. The average abundance of MPs at the 22 offshore sites along the Chennai to Puducherry coast varied from 9±4.3 to 19±12.9 particles/50 g dry weight, in July 2019 and January 2020, respectively. July 2020 had an average abundance of 10±4.5 particles/50 g dry weight. Spatially, high levels of MPs were found at 1km stations and transects in proximity to the river inlets, and temporally, the north-east month recorded the maximum concentration. The dominant morphotype was the filament, and the major polymers were polyethylene and polypropylene. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images revealed the surface irregularity and degradation of MPs due to weathering. The study highlights that high sediment contamination by MPs occurs during heavy rainfall and accumulates closer to river inlets. Eventually, this study suggests that appropriate management of plastic wastes on the landside will reduce MP contamination in the marine environment.

Keywords

Microplastics / Coastal sediment / Characterization / Bay of Bengal / India

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Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India for their support and encouragement. We are thankful to Dr. V Sampath for critically going through the manuscript and the Captain and crew of Research Vessels for their help during the collection of samples. This work is an output of the Marine Litter and Microplastic program of NCCR with contribution number NCCR/16/2019/MS-370. The funding source of this study is Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.

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