This study aims to determine the degradation of plastic polypropylene (PP) and identify the presence of microplastic in sediments and seawater along the Tambak Lorok coastal area. The study was conducted by collecting samples from the sea surface area, at 50 cm and 170 cm depths, while seawater and sediments were collected from six stations. The results showed an early stage of degradation because of abiotic factors. The surface morphology of plastic changed, indicating the disorientation of the plastic. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that organic carbon decreased by 3.15%, 6.67%, and 16.76% for the PP applied on surface water, at 50 cm depth and at 170 cm depth, respectively. From six stations, PP microplastic was the dominant type, where microplastic in sediment was bio-fouled fiber ranging in size from 255.23 to 1245.71 μm; however, in seawater, it was 7–111 particles/10 mL and ranged from 270.27 to 1279.12 μm in size.
The paper provides new insights into marine environments and human activities and suggests plastic waste should be controlled through laws that regulate waste sources and plastic additives in order to solve the problem of plastic accumulation in the oceans.
The paper strengthens the evidence that microplastics are present in the studied biota, suggesting that they are transferred between trophic levels through the interconnected food chain/web. The presence of micro plastics in fish guts highlights the need for further research on processing interventions for reducing microplastic contamination.
PPE (face masks and gloves) were surveyed at six Indian beaches. There were 496 PPE counted with an average density of 1.08 × 10−3 PPE m−2. Previous studies found similar PPE density. Face masks accounted for 98.39% of all PPE recorded, while gloves accounted for only 1.61%. As a result of the increase in vaccination[…]
The research seeks to depict and reduce marine plastic pollution in India. A GIS map has been created to show plastic input from different river basins. In order to address the challenges of marine litter in India, a guiding model has been developed. According to the predictive model, India produces 536 thousand tons of municipal[…]
Plastic research, policies, waste management, socioeconomics, challenges, and opportunities are discussed. Marine plastic studies have focused on a few locations, providing information on distribution and interactions with organisms. In addition to scientific investigation, enforcement, improvisation, and, if necessary, framing new policies, integrated technologies to manage plastic waste are essential.