1
|
Toyen D, Wimolmala E, Hemvichian K, Lertsarawut P, Saenboonruang K. Highly Efficient and Eco-Friendly Thermal-Neutron-Shielding Materials Based on Recycled High-Density Polyethylene and Gadolinium Oxide Composites. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1139. [PMID: 38675059 PMCID: PMC11054564 DOI: 10.3390/polym16081139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to the increasing demands for improved radiation safety and the growing concerns regarding the excessive use of plastics, this work aimed to develop effective and eco-friendly thermal-neutron-shielding materials based on recycled high-density polyethylene (r-HDPE) composites containing varying surface-treated gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) contents (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%). The results indicate that the overall thermal-neutron-shielding properties of the r-HDPE composites were enhanced with the addition of Gd2O3, as evidenced by large reductions in I/I0, HVL, and TVL, as well as the substantial increases in ∑t and ∑t/ρ of the composites. Furthermore, the results reveal that the values for tensile properties initially increased up to 5-15 wt% of Gd2O3 and then gradually decreased at higher contents. In addition, the results show that the addition of Gd2O3 particles generally increased the density (ρ), the remaining ash at 600 °C, and the degree of crystallinity (%XC) of the composites. This work also determined the effects of gamma irradiation on relevant properties of the composites. The findings indicate that following gamma aging, the tensile modulus slightly increased, while the tensile strength, elongation at break, and hardness (Shore D) showed no significant (p < 0.05) differences, except for the sample containing 5 wt% of Gd2O3, which exhibited a noticeable reduction in elongation at break. Furthermore, by comparing the neutron-shielding and mechanical properties of the developed r-HDPE composites with common borated polyethylene (PE) containing 5 wt% and 15 wt% of boron, the results clearly indicate the superior shielding and tensile properties in the r-HDPE composites, implying the great potential of r-HDPE composites to replace virgin plastics as effective and more eco-friendly shielding materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donruedee Toyen
- Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand;
- Special Research Unit of Radiation Technology for Advanced Materials (RTAM), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Ekachai Wimolmala
- Polymer PROcessing and Flow (P-PROF) Research Group, Division of Materials Technology, School of Energy, Environment and Materials, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10140, Thailand;
| | - Kasinee Hemvichian
- Nuclear Technology Research and Development Center, Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization), Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand; (K.H.); (P.L.)
| | - Pattra Lertsarawut
- Nuclear Technology Research and Development Center, Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization), Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand; (K.H.); (P.L.)
| | - Kiadtisak Saenboonruang
- Special Research Unit of Radiation Technology for Advanced Materials (RTAM), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Department of Applied Radiation and Isotopes, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
- Specialized Center of Rubber and Polymer Materials in Agriculture and Industry (RPM), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kalangutkar N, Mhapsekar S, Redkar P, Valsan G, Warrier AK. Microplastic pollution in the Chapora River, Goa, Southwest India: spatial distribution and risk assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:409. [PMID: 38564102 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12587-1] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The amount of information available on the microplastic (MP) contamination in Goa's riverine water systems is currently limited. The abundance, size, colour, and polymer composition of microplastics in Chapora River surface water were investigated in this study. MPs in Chapora River surface water ranged from 0.1 particles/L (station 13) to 0.47 particles/L (station 5). The mean (± standard deviation) MP concentration was 0.25 (± 0.13) particles/L. Fibre was the dominant shape (77.15%), followed by fragments (12.36%), films (9.36%), and foam (1.12%). Most MPs were found in the 0.1-0.3 mm size range, then in the 0.3-1 mm and 1-5 mm. The dominant type of polymer studied was polyethylene terephthalate (PET; 46%), followed by high-density polyethylene (HDPE; 14%), polypropylene (PP; 5%), and polystyrene (PS; 1%). The risk assessment study indicated high risk with respect to PHI, while PLI shows low risk in the area. The source of MPs was mostly anthropogenic in nature in the region. When compared with other tropical rivers, MP pollution was relatively lower in the Chapora River. Nevertheless, the baseline data will help the local administration take mitigation measures to reduce the impact of MP pollution in the region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niyati Kalangutkar
- School of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Goa University, Taleigao Plateau, Taleigao, 403206, Goa, India.
| | - Shritesh Mhapsekar
- School of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Goa University, Taleigao Plateau, Taleigao, 403206, Goa, India
- Department of Geology, Government College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Sanquelim, 403505, Goa, India
| | - Prachi Redkar
- School of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Goa University, Taleigao Plateau, Taleigao, 403206, Goa, India
| | - Gokul Valsan
- Centre for Climate Studies, Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Anish Kumar Warrier
- Centre for Climate Studies, Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Valsan G, Tamrakar A, Warrier AK. Microplastics in Scylla Serrata: A baseline study from southwest India. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116109. [PMID: 38330815 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116109] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Scylla serrata plays a crucial role in India's seafood exports yet there exists limited understanding on the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in these crabs. In this baseline study, we examined the presence of microplastics in the digestive tracts of S. serrata collected from the Kota mangroves, southwestern coast of India. Our analysis revealed the presence of 264 MPs in all the samples with an average (± standard deviation) of 29.33 (±11.53) MPs/Individual. The most dominant categories were fibres (98.86 %) and fragments (1.14 %). Primarily 0.1-0.3 mm (50.90 %) and 0.3-1 mm (37.65 %) size range dominated. The predominant polymers were polypropylene (33.71 %), high-density polyethylene (31.44 %), and polyethylene terephthalate (17.80 %). Scanning electron microscopy revealed extensive weathering on the surface of the microplastics. Risk assessments indicated severe risks to S. serrata due to microplastic ingestion emphasizing the need to protect delicate ecosystems like mangroves and the biota within.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gokul Valsan
- Centre for Climate Studies, Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Anjali Tamrakar
- Centre for Climate Studies, Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Anish Kumar Warrier
- Centre for Climate Studies, Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Khaleel R, Valsan G, Rangel-Buitrago N, Warrier AK. Microplastics in the marine environment of St. Mary's Island: implications for human health and conservation. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1034. [PMID: 37568065 PMCID: PMC10421776 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11651-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have now been identified as a class of emerging pollutants and is considered as a threat to aquatic organisms. This baseline paper investigated the distribution, composition, and potential ecological risks of microplastic (MP) pollution on St. Mary's Island, revealing an average abundance of 0.218 particles/L in water samples. Blue fibres and white foams were the primary MPs identified, and fishing activities and packaging were the main sources of pollution. Six types of polymers were identified: low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) and Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) indicated a medium environmental risk for the island. Additionally, it was discovered that MPs' surfaces contained dangerous substances that could endanger aquatic life. The research emphasizes the significance of implementing measures such as responsible disposal, management, elimination, regulatory policies, and local administration techniques to mitigate the impact of MP pollution on the island's shores and marine biota. This research provides a baseline for monitoring MP contamination and underscores the need for continuous investigation to assess their impacts on marine life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rizwan Khaleel
- Department of Sciences, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Gokul Valsan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Nelson Rangel-Buitrago
- Programa de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia
| | - Anish Kumar Warrier
- Centre for Climate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Amrutha K, Warrier AK, Rangel-Buitrago N. Did the COVID-19 pandemic play a role in the spatial and temporal variations of microplastics? Evidence from a tropical river in southern India. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 192:115088. [PMID: 37269702 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Personal protective equipment (PPE) use has increased because of COVID-19, producing more microplastics (MPs). The pandemic's impact on MP pollution in Indian rivers is little understood. In this study, the Netravathi River in Karnataka was investigated for the spatiotemporal distribution of MPs. The MPs abundance, size, and categories varied seasonally, with a higher concentration during the monsoon seasons. The reduction in rainfall during MON20 and the COVID-19 lockdown can be the reasons for the significant decrease in the MP concentration when compared to MON19. Polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate were the most abundant polymers, with a shift from polyethylene to the latter (74 %) during post-monsoon season post-lockdown. The situation of MP pollution in Western Ghats can be mitigated with the aid of appropriate waste management of plastic trash and greater public awareness about the disposal of single-use plastics, which has risen significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaniyambadi Amrutha
- Department of Sciences, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India; Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Anish Kumar Warrier
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India; Centre for Climate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India.
| | - Nelson Rangel-Buitrago
- Programa de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Reethu M, Biswajit R, Aravind GH, Rafaz AK, Sandeep K, Sijinkumar AV, Warrier AK. A first report on the spatial and temporal variability of microplastics in coastal soils of an urban town in south-western India: Pre- and post-COVID scenario. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 190:114888. [PMID: 37031557 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
We present a first study on the temporal changes (2019-2021) in the microplastic abundance in the coastal soils of an urban town in the south-western part of India. All sampling stations exhibited higher abundances of microplastics in soils collected during 2021 (959.7 ± 277.7 particles/kg) compared to those collected in 2019 (515.1 ± 182.7 particles/kg). Morphologically, flakes, fibres, and films are the most abundant types documented in the soil environment. The microplastics of 0.3-5 mm size are relatively more abundant (60.6 %) compared to those of 0.03-0.3 mm size (39.4 %) in 2021. The three main types of polymers (polypropylene and high- and low-density polyethylene) in the soil exhibited an increase in abundance during an interval of 15 months (October 2019 to March 2021). In addition to packaging materials, the enhanced use of surgical masks during the COVID-19 period might have acted as a source of microplastic contamination in the soils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Reethu
- Department of Geology, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periye (P.O.), Kasaragod, India
| | - R Biswajit
- Department of Geology, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periye (P.O.), Kasaragod, India
| | - G H Aravind
- Department of Geology, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periye (P.O.), Kasaragod, India
| | - A K Rafaz
- Department of Geology, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periye (P.O.), Kasaragod, India
| | - K Sandeep
- Department of Geology, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periye (P.O.), Kasaragod, India.
| | - A V Sijinkumar
- Department of Geology, Central University of Kerala, Tejaswini Hills, Periye (P.O.), Kasaragod, India
| | - Anish Kumar Warrier
- Centre for Climate Studies, Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Valsan G, Warrier AK, Amrutha K, Anusree S, Rangel-Buitrago N. Exploring the presence and distribution of microplastics in subterranean estuaries from southwest India. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 190:114820. [PMID: 36989595 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Rivers, surface runoff, and the wind all transport microplastics (MPs) to the ocean. There is a knowledge gap concerning the distribution of microplastics in transitional subterranean estuaries. Here, we report the presence of microplastics in the pore water, groundwater, and sea water from four locations in southwest India. Pore water, groundwater, and seawater had mean MP abundances (± standard deviations) of 0.75 (±0.66), 0.15 (±0.1), and 0.11 (±0.07) MPs/l, respectively. Fibres were the dominant category of MPs found. Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy revealed the presence of polymers like polyester, low-density polyethylene, and polystyrene. Possible sources of microplastic are fishing activities, tourism, and coastal residents. The microplastics-derived risk assessment scores indicate severe risk to the ecosystems. Fibrous microplastics in pore water indicate that these linear particles can migrate vertically through sandy sediments, reaching subterranean estuaries. We believe submarine groundwater discharge can act as a possible pathway for microplastics to enter the oceans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gokul Valsan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Anish Kumar Warrier
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India; Centre for Climate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India.
| | - K Amrutha
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - S Anusree
- Department of Sciences, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Nelson Rangel-Buitrago
- Programa de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia; Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gosavi SM, Phuge SK. First report on microplastics contamination in a meteorite impact Crater Lake from India. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:64755-64770. [PMID: 37079229 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27074-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution is a worldwide concern affecting all environmental matrices, including pristine lakes. Lentic lakes operate as a sink for microplastics (MPs), which interfere with a biogeochemical cycle and, therefore, deserve immediate attention. We present a comprehensive assessment of MPs contamination in the sediment and surface water of a geo-heritage site, Lonar lake (India). It is the third largest natural saltwater lake and only basaltic crater in the world formed by meteoric impact around 52,000 years ago. Mean MPs abundance in lakeshore sediment and surface water was 14.44 particles/kg and 2.66 particles/L, respectively. Small-sized MPs dominate the hypersaline region of the lake. Transparent and green fragments and filaments morphotypes were abundant. Most of the MPs in Lonar lake were secondary in origin. FTIR-ATR analysis revealed 16 types of polymers in the lake, of which polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyester were the most common. The overall pollution load index (PLI) for Lonar lake sediment and water was 1.39 and 2.58, respectively. Although all sampling stations had significant MPs pollution (PLI > 1), there was noticeable station-specific variability, which could be linked to anthropogenic activities. Irresponsible tourist behavior and religious activities, coupled with poor waste management are the leading causes of MPs contamination in the lake. The current work fills a gap in the investigation of MP pollution in a crater lake formed by a meteorite impact by being the first to provide a precise estimate of the MPs contamination in the Lonar lake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sachin M Gosavi
- Department of Zoology, Maharashtra College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Samadhan K Phuge
- Department of Zoology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind, Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Department of Education and Extension, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Amrutha K, Shajikumar S, Warrier AK, Sebastian JG, Sali YA, Chandran T, Sivadas S, Naik R, Amrish VN, Kumar A, Unnikrishnan V. Assessment of pollution and risks associated with microplastics in the riverine sediments of the Western Ghats: a heritage site in southern India. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:32301-32319. [PMID: 36462078 PMCID: PMC10017654 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24437-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
There is very little knowledge on microplastic pollution in the Western Ghats (WG), a heritage site in southwest India. To address this, we have studied the spatiotemporal variations of sedimentary microplastics (MPs) from the River Sharavathi, a pristine river in the Western Ghats (WG), southern India. The rich biodiversity in the region makes it relevant to analyse the distribution of this emerging pollutant that is causing harm to the biota and the ecosystem. We analysed the sedimentological and carbon content (organic and inorganic) of these sediments and explored their relationship with MPs. Finally, risk assessment indices such as the Pollution Load Index (PLI), the Polymer Hazard Index (PHI), and the Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) were calculated to detect the levels of plastic pollution. The concentration of MPs ranged from 2.5 to 57.5 pieces/kg and 0 to 15 pieces/kg during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, respectively. The dip in the MPs' abundance during the post-monsoon season was due to the extremely high rainfall in the river basin during July-August 2019, which would have entrained the sedimentary MPs and transported them to the coast/Arabian Sea. Smaller MPs (0.3-1 mm) were more abundant than the larger MPs (1-5 mm), mainly due to the breakdown of sedimentary plastics by physical processes. Fragments, films, foams, and fibres were the main categories of MPs, and the main polymers were polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polypropylene. No significant relationship was observed between the sedimentological properties and microplastics, which may be due to the different physical properties of sediments and microplastics. The PLI, PHI, and PERI indices suggest different contamination levels in the river basin. Based on the PLI scores, all the samples belong to the hazardous level I suggesting minor risk category, and the risk of microplastic pollution falls under the high to hazardous risk category based on the PHI values. The PERI value ranged from 160 to 440 and 40 to 2240 during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, respectively. The risk assessment in a region known for its rich biodiversity is crucial, as the data can be used by the district administration to mitigate plastic pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaniyambadi Amrutha
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Sachin Shajikumar
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Anish Kumar Warrier
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India.
- Centre for Climate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India.
| | - Joju George Sebastian
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Yamuna Adichinalniravel Sali
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Thara Chandran
- Nitte (Deemed to Be University), Department of Public Health Dentistry, AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences (ABSMIDS), Mangalore, 574199, Karnataka, India
| | - Sanitha Sivadas
- National Centre for Coastal Research, NIOT Campus, Velacherry-Tambaram Main Road, Pallikaranai, Chennai - 600100, India
| | - Ravidas Naik
- National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Headland Sada, Vasco-da-Gama, 403804, Goa, India
| | - Vadakkeveedu Narayan Amrish
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Arun Kumar
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Vishnu Unnikrishnan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Unnikrishnan V, Valsan G, Amrutha K, Sebastian JG, Rangel-Buitrago N, Khaleel R, Chandran T, Reshma SR, Warrier AK. A baseline study of microplastic pollution in a Southern Indian Estuary. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114468. [PMID: 36516607 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge on the processes controlling the vertical distribution of microplastics (MPs) in estuaries is less. This research was carried out to determine the MP distribution in the surface, middle, and bottom layers of the Udyavara River Estuary in southwest India. The mean (± standard deviation) concentrations were 320.83 (± 98.30), 514.55 (± 352.16), and 755.03 (± 400.96) particles/m3, respectively. Fibres, films, and fragments dominated, and 57 % of the MPs had a size range of 0.3-1 mm, while 43 % had a size of 1-5 mm. The main polymers were high-density polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate. A positive correlation (r = 0.421, p = 0.0205, n = 30) exists between the MPs and salinity, suggesting that the MPs are held by dense saline waters. The mean pollution load index value was 2.25 indicating severe pollution. Microplastic pollution is due to harbour, fishing, industrial activities, the effects of southwest monsoon rain, and tidal currents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vishnu Unnikrishnan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Gokul Valsan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - K Amrutha
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Joju George Sebastian
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Nelson Rangel-Buitrago
- Programa de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia; Programa de Biologia, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia
| | - Rizwan Khaleel
- Department of Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Thara Chandran
- Nitte (Deemed to be University), AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences (ABSMIDS), Department of Public Health Dentistry, Mangalore 574199, Karnataka, India
| | - S R Reshma
- Department of Geology, Central University of Karnataka, Kadaganchi, Kalaburagi 585367, Karnataka, India
| | - Anish Kumar Warrier
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India; Centre for Climate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India.
| |
Collapse
|