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

doi:10.1007/s11783-021-1444-0

Front. Environ. Sci. Eng.

2022, Vol. 16

Issue (1) : 10 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-021-1444-0

RESEARCH ARTICLE

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

K. Dhineka, M. Sambandam, S. K. Sivadas, T. Kaviarasan, Umakanta Pradhan, Mehmuna Begum, Pravakar Mishra(

), M. V. Ramana Murthy

National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), Ministry of Earth Science (MoES), Chennai 600100, India

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Abstract

• 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.

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

Corresponding Author(s): Pravakar Mishra

Issue Date: 27 December 2021

Cite this article:

K. Dhineka,M. Sambandam,S. K. Sivadas, et al. Characterization and seasonal distribution of microplastics in the nearshore sediments of the south-east coast of India, Bay of Bengal[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2022, 16(1): 10.

URL:

https://academic.hep.com.cn/fese/EN/10.1007/s11783-021-1444-0
https://academic.hep.com.cn/fese/EN/Y2022/V16/I1/10

Stations (code) with Geographical position	Parameter	July 2019		January 2020		July 2020		Characteristics of the stations
Stations (code) with Geographical position	Parameter	1 km	10 km	1 km	10 km	1 km	10 km	Characteristics of the stations
Chennai port (CP) 13.1172°N, 80.3154°E 13.1110°N, 80.3954°E	Depth (m) Sample (n)	16 2	28 *	19 2	28 2	15 2	27 2	Largest gateway hub port for Containers, Cars and Project Cargo on the East Coast of India, located in between the Cooum River (length= 65 km) and the Kasimedu fishing harbour.
Marina (MA) 13.0370°N, 80.2923°E 13.0184°N, 80.3718°E	Depth (m) Sample (n)	13 2	21 2	13 2	33.3 2	12 3	22 2	The longest urban beach in the country, known for its tourism, and has two river inputs Cooum River (north) and Adyar River (south).
Adyar (AD) 13.0104°N, 80.28868°E 12.9889°N, 80.3678°E	Depth (m) Sample (n)	11.5 2	25 *	13 2	31 2	13 2	35 2	Adyar River, 43 km long, joins the Bay of Bengal at the Adyar estuary, where boating and fishing activities takes place.
Kovalam (KO) 12.7957°N, 80.2598°E 12.7774°N, 80.3415°E	Depth (m) Sample (n)	12 2	38.5 2	11 2	45 2	8 3	43 1	Fishing village, where surfing takes place. Buckingham Canal, 4 km long is on the north side of the station, which discharges into the Kovalam Estuary.
Mahabalipuram (MH) 12.6129°N, 80.2090°E 12.5890°N, 80.2884°E	Depth (m) Sample (n)	11 2	39 2	13 *	42 2	11 2	41 2	Best known for the UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, a famous tourist spot in India.
Kalpakkam (KP) 12.5570°N, 80.1883°E 12.5310°N, 80.2670°E	Depth (m) Sample (n)	12 2	36 2	11 2	38 2	11 2	36 2	The south side of Kalpakkam has a seasonal river of 350 km length (Palar River).
Edaikazhinadu (ED) 12.2817°N, 80.0311°E 12.2499°N, 80.1078°E	Depth (m) Sample (n)	10.5 *	25 2	10 2	26 2	8.5 3	26 2	It is situated between two backwaters i.e., Odiyur backwater on the north side and the Kaliveli lake joining the Edierthittu estuary.
Pondicherry University (PU) 11.9720°N,79.8544°E 11.9498°N,79.9340°E	Depth (m) Sample (n)	11 2	22 2	10.6 1	25 2	9 3	25 3	Near the sampling station of Pondicherry University, Auroville (international village) beach is located. It is an important tourist destination for both local and international travelers.
Gandhi statue (GS) 11.9292°N,79.8452°E 11.9089°N,79.9250°E	Depth (m) Sample (n)	11 2	27 2	11 2	28.5 2	12 3	27 3	An important tourist destination in Puducherry attracting tourists throughout the year. North side of the beach receives untreated sewage from the town through a small channel.
Fishing harbour (FH) 11.9035°N,79.8400°E 11.8818°N,79.9196°E	Depth (m) Sample (n)	11 2	28.5 2	10.9 2	29 2	7 2	26 3	The hinterland of the sampling location has mangrove and backwaters of an estuarine system. The estuary receives untreated sewage from the adjacent town. A fishing harbour is located in the area.
Paradise Beach (PB) 11.8695°N,79.8321°E 11.8447°N,79.9089°E	Depth (m) Sample (n)	11 2	30 2	11 2	31 2	10 2	28 2	Paradise Beach is at 8 km south of Pondicherry town and has a fish landing center and known for turtle nesting ground. A small river of 75 km length drains into Bay of Bengal near this beach.

Tab.1 Study area description and the details of sampling.

Fig.1 Spatial and seasonal variation of microplastics observed in the Chennai–Puducherry coastal sediment.

Tab.2 Two-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) results showing significant differences in seasonal and spatial variability

Fig.2 Microscopic images of microplastics (a) & (b) filaments; (c) & (d) films; (e) & (f) fragments.

Fig.3 (a) Morphotype composition, (b) Size range comparison of the microplastics.

Tab.3 Average abundance and shape distribution (%) of microplastics in the Bay of Bengal Coast (Chennai-Puducherry)

Fig.4 Percentage of microplastic colors at (a) July 2019, (b) January 2020, and (c) July 2020.

Fig.5 Raman spectra of the polymer microplastics (a) Polyethylene, (b) Polypropylene, (c) Polyvinylchloride, and (d) Polyamide.

Fig.6 Scanning Electron Microscopy images of microplastics (a) filament, and (b) fragment.

Tab.4 Abundance of microplastics in the sediments from various regions

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