Introduction: The eastern coast of India is undergoing rapid commercialization, with tourism emerging as a major contributor to environmental degradation. Tourists often disregard waste management regulations, leading to increased meso- and microplastic pollution. Microplastics, now recognized as persistent contaminants of emerging concern, are widely present in marine, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments. However, data on their presence in tourism-driven beaches of West Bengal remains limited.
Methods: This study assessed the abundance, distribution, and composition of microplastics at Mandarmani Beach and adjacent coastal waters of the Bay of Bengal. Sediment and water samples were collected from 10 sampling points spanning fishing, tourism, and wastewater discharge zones. Visual and microscopic techniques were used to identify and categorize microplastics by shape and color. Chemical composition was determined using FTIR-ATR spectroscopy.
Results: Microplastics were detected in all samples, appearing as filaments, fibers, pellets, granules, foams, and films. Shapes included irregular, thread-like, square, and circular forms. Black (37.31%) and white (34.20%) were the most common colors, followed by yellow, red, and blue. FTIR-ATR analysis identified nine polymer types—PP, PE, PS, PETE, PTFE, PVC, PVP, PC, and PA—with polypropylene and polyethylene as the most dominant types.
Conclusion: This study provides the first evidence of microplastic pollution along Mandarmani Beach, revealing contamination from both land- and ocean-based sources. The findings highlight the urgent need for improved waste management, stricter enforcement of coastal regulations, and increased research on microplastic pathways to protect coastal ecosystems and public health.