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<p>This study evaluates the abundance, characteristics, and ecological risk of microplastics in beach sediments from Kappil, Kerala, providing a baseline assessment of contamination and associated environmental risks. Microplastic pollution has become a significant environmental concern in coastal ecosystems worldwide. This study assessed the abundance, polymer composition, and morphological characteristics of microplastics along Kappil Beach, Kerala, India, and evaluated their ecological risks using the Pollution Load Index (PLI), Hazard Index (HI), and Potential Risk Index (PRI). Microplastics were separated using the density separation method, examined under a stereo zoom microscope for morphological identification, and subsequently analysed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for polymer identification. A total of 766 microplastic particles were identified, dominated by nylon (77.6%, mean: 29.7 ± 7.4), followed by polyethylene (9.9%, mean: 3.8 ± 2.4), polystyrene (8.9%, mean: 3.4 ± 1.8), and polypropylene (3.6%, mean: 1.4 ± 1.1). Black, red, and brown particles were most common, with fibers and fragments particularly those &lt; 1000&#xa0;μm indicating active fragmentation and weathering. The risk indices revealed moderate to high ecological stress, with hotspots at sites S1, S15, and S18 showing elevated pollution load and potential hazard. The results suggest that fishing activities, packaging waste, and coastal tourism are the primary contributors to microplastic contamination. This study highlights the urgent need for targeted management actions to reduce inputs, mitigate ecological risks, and preserve the integrity of tropical coastal ecosystems.</p>

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Microplastic distribution patterns in Kappil Beach sediments, Kerala

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月31日

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  • Radhakrishnan Krishnamoorthy,
  • Venkatramanan Senapathi,
  • Prakasheswar Palanichamy,
  • Muthuramalingam Rajendran,
  • Kongeswaran Thangaraj

摘要

This study evaluates the abundance, characteristics, and ecological risk of microplastics in beach sediments from Kappil, Kerala, providing a baseline assessment of contamination and associated environmental risks. Microplastic pollution has become a significant environmental concern in coastal ecosystems worldwide. This study assessed the abundance, polymer composition, and morphological characteristics of microplastics along Kappil Beach, Kerala, India, and evaluated their ecological risks using the Pollution Load Index (PLI), Hazard Index (HI), and Potential Risk Index (PRI). Microplastics were separated using the density separation method, examined under a stereo zoom microscope for morphological identification, and subsequently analysed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for polymer identification. A total of 766 microplastic particles were identified, dominated by nylon (77.6%, mean: 29.7 ± 7.4), followed by polyethylene (9.9%, mean: 3.8 ± 2.4), polystyrene (8.9%, mean: 3.4 ± 1.8), and polypropylene (3.6%, mean: 1.4 ± 1.1). Black, red, and brown particles were most common, with fibers and fragments particularly those < 1000 μm indicating active fragmentation and weathering. The risk indices revealed moderate to high ecological stress, with hotspots at sites S1, S15, and S18 showing elevated pollution load and potential hazard. The results suggest that fishing activities, packaging waste, and coastal tourism are the primary contributors to microplastic contamination. This study highlights the urgent need for targeted management actions to reduce inputs, mitigate ecological risks, and preserve the integrity of tropical coastal ecosystems.