The extent of microplastic pollution along the eastern coast of India: Focussing on marine waters, beach sand, and fish

In this study, for the first time, we evaluated microplastic contamination in water, beach sand, and fish samples collected from the seven most famous and crowded beaches of the eastern coast of India, which cover around 1200 km. The average number of microplastics found was 80 & PLUSMN; 33 microplastics/m3 and 4 & PLUSMN; 2 microplastics/kg dry weight with a numerical abundance of polyethylene and polystyrene for water and sand samples, respec-tively. The polymer hazard index score, which represents the severity of the microplastics scenario in the studied locations, depicts that this coastline falls under hazard levels IV and V (most hazardous) for water and sand samples, respectively. The study revealed that approximately 30 % of the commercially important fishes collected from the locations contained microplastics with polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene being the most abundant types. Rastrelliger kanagurta and Sardinella gibbosa were identified as the most polluted species.

Automated summary

In this study, the researchers assessed microplastic contamination in water, beach sand, and fish samples from the popular beaches along the eastern coast of India. They found that the average number of microplastics was 80 ± 33 microplastics/m3 in water and 4 ± 2 microplastics/kg dry weight in sand. The study also revealed that the coastline is at high risk of microplastic pollution, particularly in water and sand samples which fall under hazard levels IV and V, respectively. Additionally, approximately 30% of commercially important fish species collected from these locations contained microplastics, with polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene being the most common types. Rastrelliger kanagurta and Sardinella gibbosa were identified as the most polluted species.