Gujarat’s plastic plight: unveiling characterization, abundance, and pollution index of beachside plastic pollution

• DOI: 10.1007/s44289-024-00008-7
• Publication Date: 2024-06-03T14:04:11Z
• Authors: KetanKumar Yogi; Vasantkumar Rabari; Krupal Patel; Heris Patel; Jigneshkumar Trivedi; Md. Refat Jahan R...; Rakesh Kumar; Ram Proshad; Tony R. Walker
• Keywords: Plastic pollution; Characterization

Abstract Plastic pollution poses a pervasive threat to ecosystems worldwide, jeopardizing marine life, contaminating water sources, and perpetuating global environmental crisis. Spatial temporal distribution of beach debris was quantitatively assessed on three recreational beaches in Gujarat State, India. A total six categories were recorded with mean 0.9 items/m 2 number 3.62 g/m weight. Mean concentrations weight per item did not vary significantly between study sites. Highest observed October 2021 at all Around 90% macro-debris (2.5–100 cm), white transparent colours most frequently encountered. Based Clean Coast Index findings, sites categorized as " dirty ". Abundance revealed that had very high abundance plastics compared other debris. Recreational activities beaches, tourism, extensive fishing can be the possible source State. The findings current investigation is vital understanding its impact, encompassing threats biodiversity, quality, ecosystems, while guiding effective policies mitigate these repercussions scale. It helpful establish mitigation strategies urgently required reduce along Coast. recomanded implement needed diminish