Occurrence, distribution and composition of microplastics in the sediments of South Andaman beaches

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin Vol. 156; p. 111227
• Main Authors: Patchaiyappan, Arunkumar, Ahmed, Syed Zaki, Dowarah, Kaushik, Jayakumar, Shanmuganathan, Devipriya, Suja P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2020; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Abundance; Beaches; Colour; Marine ecosystems; Microplastic pollution; Microplastics; Nile Red; Particulates; Plastic debris; Plastic pollution; Polybutadiene; Polymers; Polypropylene; Polystyrene; Polyvinylchloride; Raman spectroscopy; Sediment; Sediments; Solid waste management; Solid wastes; South Andaman; Spectral analysis; Spectrum analysis; Stations; Tourism; Waste management; Nile Red; Polypropylene; South Andaman; Microplastics; Polybutadiene; Raman spectroscopy; Polystyrene; Polyvinylchloride
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111227

Herein, we report the prevalence of microplastics in the South Andaman beaches, India. The average microplastic abundance of the eight stations covered along the South Andaman beach was found to be 414.35 ± 87.4 particles per kilogram of beach sediment. Among the stations sampled, Kodiyaghat was found with highest microplastic abundance of 973.3 ± 76.59 particles per kilogram of beach sediment and Burmanullah recorded the lowest number of 161.7 ± 32.51. Microplastic particles of different types, size, color and shape were present in all the eight stations sampled. From the Raman spectral analysis, thirteen different types of polymers were identified. The microplastic pollution may be attributed to improper solid waste management, tourism activities and maritime activities. The present study will help in understanding the prevalence, source and pathway of microplastic particles and their affiliated risk to the fragile marine ecosystem. [Display omitted] •Microplastic contamination level in the sediment was found to be 414.35 ± 87.4 particles per kilogram of beach sediment.•Fragments and fibres were found to be dominant in terms of shape.•Microplastics of size between 500 and 1000 μm dominated the microplastic share.•Raman spectral analysis revealed 13 types of polymers like polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polybutadiene etc.