Macrodebris and microplastic distribution in the beaches of Rameswaram Coral Island, Gulf of Mannar, Southeast coast of India: A first report. (December 2018) - Vidyasakar, A.
Abstract: This is the first study on the distribution and characteristics of plastic debris found in the sediments of Rameswaram Island, Gulf of Mannar, India. Studies on the distribution of plastics and microplastic content in highly populated coral islands and their impact on the coral ecosystem are very scarce. For this purpose, marine sediment samples were collected from 20 locations along the coastal areas of the study region. The distribution and characterization study was carried out by visual examination followed by FTIR spectroscopy. The results showed abundance of white-colored and irregular-shaped plastic debris in this study area. Polypropylene was identified as a dominant polymer variety, followed by polyethylene, polystyrene, nylon, and polyvinyl chloride. Tourist activities and fishing practices were found to be the possible sources of the microplastic debris. Additionally, the distribution of the plastics was found to be dominantly controlled by the aeolian process and the nature of the coast. Graphical abstract: Highlights: The present study was carried out to assess the distribution and characterization of the plastic debris, Rameswaram Island. The white colored and irregular shaped plastic debris was dominated in this study area. The polymer showing following dominant order: Polypropylene > Polyethylene > polystyrene > Nylon > Polyvinyl chloride The source of the plastics of tourist, fishing activities and distributed by Aeolian process and nature of the coast