Vol. 10, Special Issue 10 (2021)

Author(s):
Ramya Abhijith, P Kaladharan, PK Asokan, K Vinod, MT Shilta and Mahesh V

Abstract:
Plastic litter accumulation study was carried out from Kadalundy and Kolavipalam, Kerala on monthly basis in 2016-17. 72 quadrates surveyed and litter was sorted, weighed and expressed as number and weight of plastic debris per square meter (sq. m) with categorization into bottles, carry bags, plastic fragments and the miscellaneous group. The total amount of plastic litter in terms of number (12.23 ± 0.52 items.m^-2) and weight (117.64 ± 1.23 gm^-2) was higher in Kadalundy (highest abundance during July 2016 as 1.79 items ±0.03 m^-2; 15.8 ± 0.17gm^-2). This considerable increase in plastic litter at Kadalundy is attributed to river runoff which may lead to the gradual destruction of mangrove seedlings and associated benthic biota due to smothering and release of toxins gradually from the plastic litters due to intense tidal and wave action as well as due to high temperature and intense sunlight leading to the degradation of entire ecosystems.