Assessment of macroplastic and microplastic pollution in the beach sediments along the Murud, central west coast of India
Date
2026Author
Behera,A.K.
Ramadoss, D.
Kolandhasamy,P.
Subramanyam B.A.
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Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing threats to marine ecosystems, particularly along densely populated and tourism-driven coasts. This study provides the first integrated assessment of macro- and microplastic pollution along the Murud coastline, Maharashtra, India, an ecologically sensitive region that hosts Olive Ridley turtle nesting grounds and migratory seabird roosting sites. Macroplastic litter was quantified through standardised video transects, while sediment samples from shoreline, mangrove, estuarine, and offshore habitats were analysed for microplastics using density separation, microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Results revealed high macroplastic loads across all surveyed beaches, dominated by food wrappers, single-use polybags, plastic cups, and discarded fishing gear. Based on Clean Coast Index (CCI) values, beaches were classified as either clean or dirty, with MSS 3 and MSS 4 identified as the most affected sites due to intensive household dumping and tourism pressure. Microplastics were abundant in estuarine sediments (up to 6���1.8 items g?1), with fibres as the dominant type, followed by fragments and films. Blue and transparent particles were most common, linked to fishing gear and packaging. Raman analysis identified polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) as the major polymers, along with polyester, nylon, and poly(acrylamide) from textiles and domestic waste. Risk indices indicated localised high potential ecological threats, particularly from hazardous polymers, despite relatively moderate overall pollution levels. The findings highlight the vulnerability of Murud's coastal ecosystem to plastic pollution indicating potential risk to endangered turtles, migratory birds, and associated biodiversity. Effective management strategies, including improved waste disposal, community-based awareness, and regulation of tourist activities, are urgently required to mitigate further degradation and preserve the ecological and economic value of this coastal hotspot.
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