The threat of microplastics: Exploring pollution in coastal ecosystems and migratory shorebirds along the west coast of India

Mar Pollut Bull. 2024 Jan:198:115912. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115912. Epub 2023 Dec 19.

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.

Keywords: Bioaccumulation; Conservation; Microplastics; Shorebirds.

MeSH terms

  • Ecosystem
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods
  • India
  • Microplastics*
  • Plastics / analysis
  • Water / analysis
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical* / analysis

Substances

  • Microplastics
  • Plastics
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Water