A baseline study of microplastic pollution in a Southern Indian Estuary

Abstract

Knowledge on the processes controlling the vertical distribution of microplastics (MPs) in estuaries is less. This research was carried out to determine the MP distribution in the surface, middle, and bottom layers of the Udyavara River Estuary in southwest India. The mean (± standard deviation) concentrations were 320.83 (± 98.30), 514.55 (± 352.16), and 755.03 (± 400.96) particles/m³, respectively. Fibres, films, and fragments dominated, and 57 % of the MPs had a size range of 0.3-1 mm, while 43 % had a size of 1-5 mm. The main polymers were high-density polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate. A positive correlation (r = 0.421, p = 0.0205, n = 30) exists between the MPs and salinity, suggesting that the MPs are held by dense saline waters. The mean pollution load index value was 2.25 indicating severe pollution. Microplastic pollution is due to harbour, fishing, industrial activities, the effects of southwest monsoon rain, and tidal currents.

Keywords: Estuary; Microplastics; Pollution load index; Southwest India; Vertical distribution; Water column.