Department of Zoology, K. J. Somaiya College of Science and Commerce, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Department of Life Sciences, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Patan, Gujarat, India.
Mar Pollut Bull. 2024 Nov;208:116936. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116936. Epub 2024 Sep 17.
Microplastic contamination (MP) has created havoc in all eco-systems especially the estuarine environment. The current investigation focused on assessing MP contamination along the Mahi River Estuary in Gujarat. Thirty sampling sites were selected along the estuary, spanning from Khambhat to Kamboi. Sediment samples were collected, processed, and analyzed for MPs. A total of 1371 MP particles were found, with an average abundance of 0.76 ± 0.25 MPs/g dry weight. The MP abundance was recorded at its highest and lowest at Chokari and Umraya, respectively. The MP abundance varied significantly between study sites. Fibers were reported dominantly, followed by fragments, films, and foam. Size-wise, 1-2 mm and <1 mm-sized MPs were prevalent. Various colours of MPs were also recorded. Polyethylene tetraphene, polyethylene, and polypropylene are the most abundant. Tourism, fishing activities, and a lack of waste management practices can be the possible reasons for MPs input in to estuarine habitats.
微塑料污染（MP）已经在所有生态系统中造成了严重破坏，尤其是在河口环境中。本研究集中评估了古吉拉特邦马希河河口的 MP 污染情况。在河口沿线选择了 30 个采样点，从坎贝到卡莫伊。采集、处理和分析了沉积物样本中的 MPs。共发现 1371 个 MP 颗粒，平均丰度为 0.76±0.25 MPs/g 干重。MP 丰度在乔卡里和乌马雷亚最高和最低。研究地点之间的 MP 丰度差异显著。纤维报告最多，其次是碎片、薄膜和泡沫。尺寸方面，1-2 毫米和<1 毫米大小的 MPs 较为普遍。还记录了各种颜色的 MPs。聚四氟乙烯、聚乙烯和聚丙烯是最丰富的。旅游、渔业活动以及缺乏废物管理措施可能是 MPs 输入河口栖息地的原因。
