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Athira TR, Aarif KM, Thomas JA, Alatawi AS, Muzaffar SB, Nefla A, Reshi OR, Jobiraj T, Thejass P. The threat of microplastics: Exploring pollution in coastal ecosystems and migratory shorebirds along the west coast of India. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115912. [PMID: 38113815 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the exposure risk and ingestion of microplastics by migratory shorebirds, which are regarded as apex predators in the coastal ecosystem, this study investigated the ubiquitous presence of microplastics in estuarine and coastal habitats and their potential to be transferred in the food chains. We analysed the presence of microplastics in water, sediment, major macroinvertebrate prey and the guano samples of ten shorebird species from ten important wintering grounds in the west coast of India. Our results revealed that water is the primary source through which microplastics disseminate into various ecosystem components. Microplastic debris in various forms were reported in all samples analysed, with microfibres being the most abundant form. While polyethylene and polypropylene were found as the major microplastic types in water, sediment, and prey samples, polystyrene was most abundant in guano samples. Microplastic transfer and impacts in this delicate ecosystem demand further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- T R Athira
- Department of Zoology, Government College, Madappally, Affiliated to University of Calicut, Kozhikode, 670 645, Kerala, India.
| | - K M Aarif
- Terrestrial Ecology, Centre for Environment and Marine Studies, Research & Innovation, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Jeniffer Ann Thomas
- Department of Zoology, Fatima Mata National College, Kollam, University of Kerala, 691001, India
| | - Abdulaziz S Alatawi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabir Bin Muzaffar
- Department of Biology, United Arab Emirates University, 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates; Department of Science, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Aymen Nefla
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar II, 2092, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Omer R Reshi
- Sustainability, Centre for Environment and Marine Studies, Research & Innovation, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - T Jobiraj
- Department of Zoology, Govt College, Kodanchery, Kozhikode, 673580, Affiliated to University of Calicut, Kerala, India
| | - P Thejass
- Department of Zoology, Government College, Madappally, Affiliated to University of Calicut, Kozhikode, 670 645, Kerala, India
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Ahmad I, Aslam S, Hussain U. Assessment of plastic pollution in coastal areas of Karachi: Case study of West Warf, Kemari Jetty, and Manora. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 195:115501. [PMID: 37688805 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
This study focused on marine pollution in coastal areas of Karachi, particularly West Warf, Kemari Jetty, and Manora. The research examined the sources and quantities of waste, from boat manufacturing, export units, and local commercial activities. Stakeholder interviews were conducted to understand waste management practices and identify the key contributors to ocean litter. The results indicated that restaurants, export units, boat construction, and tourist and commuter activities were the primary sources of marine pollution. Plastic was found to be the most prevalent litter category, with LDPE (e.g., single-use bags) and polystyrene (e.g., material in floating docks) being the most common types. Additionally, multi-layer packaging, such as chip wrappers, was frequently observed in the surveyed areas. Overall, this research highlights the urgent need for improved waste management and compliance measures in coastal regions to mitigate marine pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibtihaj Ahmad
- Circular Plastic Institute, Karachi School of Business and Leadership, Pakistan
| | - Shiza Aslam
- Circular Plastic Institute, Karachi School of Business and Leadership, Pakistan.
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