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| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-2022-09-0365 |
| Title of Abstract | Marine litter and microplastics in different coastal matrices of India- Abundance, sources, and management solutions |
| Authors | Pravakar Mishra*, T Kaviarasan, K Dhineka, M Sambandam, S K Sivadas, M Begum, D Sivyer, D Hoehn, U K Pradhan, S Naik, M V Raman Murthy |
| Organisation | National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) |
| Address | NIOT Campus, Pallikaranai, Chennai Tamilnadu, Tamil Nadu, India Pincode: 600100 Mobile: 9444054364 E-mail: mishra@nccr.gov.in |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Oral |
| Abstract | Marine Litter (ML) and Microplastics (MPs) pollution is a serious environmental threat. Their presence in the marine environment has raised serious concern and encouraged multiple studies across the globe, providing evidence on adverse impacts and magnitude of plastic pollution. The paper highlights the abundance, distribution, and source of ML & MPs from different coastal matrices (beach, offshore, and biota) along the Indian coast. Litter segregated from 33 beaches covering both the Indian coasts and Islands reveal that plastics constitute 67% of the total litter. Clean Coast Index (CCI) classifies 19 beaches as relatively clean and tourism and recreational activities are the main sources (~ 60%). ML abundance in the backshore are densely (average 0.28±0.34 items/m2) distributed than intertidal (average 0.20±0.13 items/m2) zone. MPs occurrence in the surface water and sediments were 5.3ÿ104 particles km-2, 208.6 particles kg-1 of dry weight, respectively. Over the southeast coast, MPs from offshore sediments records relatively high value after the end of the monsoon or heavy rainfall. Spatially, high MPs were recorded at a 1km distance in proximity to the river inlets. Microplastics ingestion from the coastal biota was higher in barnacles 28.2±10.9 followed by bivalve 5.8±3.7, and fish 1.4±2 (gills), 1.3±1.1 (guts). The data reveals a comparatively lower value than the data reported from other countries. Filament (fiber) was the dominant morphotype, and the major polymers were polyethylene and polypropylene, possibly originating from the fishing and improper disposal of single-use plastics. The contamination of MPs in the sediment with maximum accumulation occurs close to river inlets largely during flood seasons confirms the potential source at land. Finally, we suggest better management of plastic wastes is important to contain the ML & MPs contamination in the marine environment. Segregation of wastes at the source, installing the low-cost floating trap in river mouths and waterways, adopting and regular monitoring, and formulation and implementation of strict rules and policies on plastic waste management will help in the reduction of the land-based litter entering into the ocean. Promotion of 3R- reduce, reuse, and recycle needs to be encouraged at plastic production, waste management, and community level. |