- Dona Paula, Goa, India.
- +91-0832- 2450327
- iiosc2020[at]nio[dot]org
Abstract Submission No. | ABS-2022-09-0460 |
Title of Abstract | Seasonal distribution and characterization of microplastics in the MandoviZuari estuarine system of Goa, west coast of India |
Authors | Priyansha Gupta*, Mahua Saha, Chayanika Rathore, V. Suneel, Durbar Ray, Akshata Naik, Unnikrishnan K, Dhivya M, Krushi Daga |
Organisation | CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa |
Address | CSIR-NIO DONA PAULA, GOA, India Pincode: 403004 Mobile: 8840873299 E-mail: apriyansha96@gmail.com |
Country | India |
Presentation | Oral |
Abstract | Plastics are very light, malleable and cheap synthetic polymer, characterized by corrosion resistant, electrical insulation qualities and therefore have wide range of uses in our society.Versatile uses of plastic as variety of consumer goods boost the global production of plastic waste which is eventually responsible for forming microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments. The present study describes the significant spatial and seasonal variation on abundance of MPs and their physiochemical nature along the Mandovi-Zuari estuarine system of Goa, which is having environmental stresses due to anthropogenic activities. The results revealed that in the wet season (September), the average abundance of MPs is relatively higherin water and sediment (e.g. 0.107 particles/m3 of water column and 7314 particles/kg of sediment) than that during the dry season (April)(0.099 particles/m3 and 4873 particles/kg).In the wet period, heavy rain and excessive riverine freshwater influx would likely to carry more terrestrial plastic debris in the estuarine system and that might have caused higher average MP density in surface water and sediment. The black-colored particles of <300 µm in sizeare predominant in both water and sediments during both the seasons.MPs of different shapes like fragments, fibers, films and beads accounted for most of the collected samples. FTIR-based compositional analyses showed the major fraction of MP is composed of high density polymers (e.g. Polyacrylamide, polyacetylene, polyamide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl chloride and polyimide).The surface morphology of MPs (SEM analysis) indicates substantial degradation of the recovered particles and which may enhance the adsorption of various pollutants onto their surfaces. Our findings also indicated that available MPs in this estuarine system are originated from both Primary (Microbeads from cosmetics, microfibers from clothing) and secondary (breakdown of larger debris) sources.Further studies are required to estimate the relative contribution of potential sources, and to evaluate toxicological impacts of microplastics on commercially important species. |