Microplastic Contamination in Coastal Waters of Andhra Pradesh, India: Microscopic and FTIR-Based Characterization

Abstract

Coastal environments are increasingly recognised as facing a problem of microplastic pollution, where plastic particles can persist and enter aquatic food webs. The present study deals with the microplastic contamination in the coastal water of five locations viz. Sagar Beach (Visakhapatnam), Nizampatnam (Guntur), Mypadu (Nellore), Ramayyapatnam Port (Prakasam) and Bandaruvani Peta (Srikakulam) in Andhra Pradesh, India. The water quality was assessed by pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, temperature, turbidity, chemical oxygen demand, chlorides, hardness, sulphates and salinity. Microplastic particles were isolated by filtration and examined by stereomicroscope and chemical characterisation was carried out by FTIR analysis. Sites examined contained fiber-like and irregular particles, differing in their apparent distribution between sites. The water samples were marine with salinity ranging from 25.6 to 28.5 ppt and electrical conductivity from 40 to 44.5 mS/cm. Ramayyapatnam Port showed highest COD value indicating higher organic loading than other sampling locations. The observed microplastic pollution may be reflective of inputs associated with fishing, tourism, port operations, domestic activities and coastal plastic waste. Our results indicate microplastic pollution in various coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh and emphasise the need for routine monitoring and better management of plastic waste. Further studies of the sediments and the aquatic biota are needed to evaluate the ecological consequences of this contamination.