Microplastic footprints in the seawaters of Chinnamuttom Coast, Kanyakumari: An investigation
Paper Details
Microplastic footprints in the seawaters of Chinnamuttom Coast, Kanyakumari: An investigation
Abstract
The study examines the microplastics contamination in marine waters along the Chinnamuttom coast. Density separation, filtration and sieving methods are employed to collect microplastics. The morphology, shape and colour of the microplastics collected were determined through visual analysis using microscopic identification. Microplastics were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and FT-Raman spectroscopic investigations. The study revealed the presence of microplastics smaller than 5 mm. Approximately 70 mg of dried microplastics were obtained per 5 liters of water. The microplastics primarily consisted of fibers, pellets, and fragments, exhibiting a range of colours including orange pellets, black filaments and fibers in blue, pink, white and purple hues. Particles as small as 20 µm in diameter were detected using scanning electron microscopy, while Raman spectroscopy identified polymers such as polystyrene and nylon through their distinctive vibrational peaks, confirming the presence of bonds like C-H, aldehyde and C=C. The extensive pollution underscores critical ecological issues facing the Chinnamuttom coastal environment, potentially intensified by nearby fishing and tourism practices. The results emphasize the critical necessity for approaches aimed at reducing microplastic contamination in these aquatic environments to safeguard marine biodiversity and the overall health of ecosystems.
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N. Sivalingitha, Jeni Chandar Padua, P. C. Jeba Preethi Jansi, J. Agnel, 2024. Microplastic footprints in the seawaters of Chinnamuttom Coast, Kanyakumari: An investigation. J. Biodiv. Environ. Sci., 25(6), 9-17.
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