Prevalence of Microplastics in Coastal Waters at Veraval, Saurashtra Coast, Gujarat, India
H. K. Solanki *
Department of Fisheries Resource Management, College of Fisheries Science, Kamdhenu University, Veraval 362265, Gujarat, India and ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Veraval Regional Station, Veraval 362269, Gujarat, India.
A. J. Bhatt
Department of Fisheries Resource Management, College of Fisheries Science, Kamdhenu University, Veraval 362265, Gujarat, India.
Vijay Kumar
Department of Aquatic Environment Management, College of Fisheries Science, Kamdhenu University, Veraval 362265, Gujarat, India.
Vinayakumar Vase
ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Veraval Regional Station, Veraval 362269, Gujarat, India.
S. N. Vagh
Department of Fisheries Resource Management, College of Fisheries Science, Kamdhenu University, Veraval 362265, Gujarat, India.
N. H. Joshi
Department of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries Science, Kamdhenu University, Veraval 362265, Gujarat, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The prevalence of microplastics in coastal water, Veraval at the Saurashtra coast off Gujarat, India, was studied. The sampling was carried out in Gujarat, focusing on the coastal areas of Veraval coast, a part of Saurashtra coastal region. Two sampling stations were established at each location to ensure diverse data collection and account for potential spatial variations in microplastic intensity. Monthly sample was collected from Oct. 2020 to Mar. 2021 through using OBM boat with 2-3 knot speed. The average microplastic abundance in coastal water at stations 1 and 2 was 0.132 ± 0.018 no./m3 and 0.071 ± 0.014 no./m3, respectively. Fiber-shaped and size fractions of microplastics ranging from 2000 μm to 4000 μm were dominant in both coastal water stations. Black and red microplastics were identified abundantly at both coastal water sampling stations. Fishing and related activities, riverine flow, and tourism contributed to the abundance and widespread distribution of microplastics in coastal water. This finding reveals the presence of microplastic contamination in the coastal water of Veraval, which necessitates scientific regulation and management by enforcing comprehensive waste management strategies.
Keywords: Microplastic, coastal water, microplastic pollution, plastic, Saurashtra coast