Abstract Microplastic and metal pollution in coastal regions poses a severe threat to marine ecosystems. This study evaluates the sources, distribution, and impacts of microplastics and metals in the coastal ecosystem of Kochi, using water, sediment, and biota samples from the Cochin estuary and the coastal waters off Kochi. Microplastic contamination was higher in the estuarine station (38.17 ± 16.12 numbers/m3) and lower in the offshore station (10.5 ± 5.82 numbers/m3). Black-coloured microplastics were prevalent in water (38.75 ± 15.04 numbers/m3), sediment (156 ± 112.74 numbers/kg), and biota (17.77 ± 8.14 numbers/g) samples. Fibres (61.62 ± 26.22 numbers/m3) were dominant in the water column, and fragments dominated the sediment (244.75 ± 164.42 numbers/kg) and biota (23 ± 11.62 numbers/g) samples. Alepes melanoptera had the highest (7.8947/g) number of microplastics. Metal analysis showed that offshore stations had a high concentration of metals (Fe: 139 ppb, Pb: 4.4 ppb, Ni: 5.4 ppb, Cd: 5.4 ppb). Epinephelus diacanthus had the highest concentration of metals (Fe: 164 ppm, Cu: 4.37 ppm, Zn: 51 ppm, Cr: 11.5 ppm). The feeding habits and habitats influence the intake of microplastics and metals. Bioaccumulation and biomagnification pose health hazards, especially for seafood-dependent populations. This study emphasizes the need for better waste management and pollution control to protect marine and human health. Research highlights <UnorderedList Mark="Bullet"> <ItemContent> This study analyses the distribution and ecosystem impacts of microplastics and metal contamination in the Cochin coastal region. </ItemContent> <ItemContent> Higher numbers of microplastics were observed in the estuarine station than in the coastal stations due to stronger anthropogenic influence. </ItemContent> <ItemContent> Microplastics accumulate metals on their surface, and their combined effect is fatal to the marine ecosystem. </ItemContent> <ItemContent> Findings call for effective pollution control strategies to protect marine life and ensure seafood safety. </ItemContent> </UnorderedList>

Microplastics and metal contamination in coastal waters off Kochi and associated risks

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发表日期：

2026年2月13日

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K R Ardra,
K S Shifna,
P K Madhuraj,
P M Vipin,
S S Shaju

摘要

Abstract

Microplastic and metal pollution in coastal regions poses a severe threat to marine ecosystems. This study evaluates the sources, distribution, and impacts of microplastics and metals in the coastal ecosystem of Kochi, using water, sediment, and biota samples from the Cochin estuary and the coastal waters off Kochi. Microplastic contamination was higher in the estuarine station (38.17 ± 16.12 numbers/m³) and lower in the offshore station (10.5 ± 5.82 numbers/m³). Black-coloured microplastics were prevalent in water (38.75 ± 15.04 numbers/m³), sediment (156 ± 112.74 numbers/kg), and biota (17.77 ± 8.14 numbers/g) samples. Fibres (61.62 ± 26.22 numbers/m³) were dominant in the water column, and fragments dominated the sediment (244.75 ± 164.42 numbers/kg) and biota (23 ± 11.62 numbers/g) samples. Alepes melanoptera had the highest (7.8947/g) number of microplastics. Metal analysis showed that offshore stations had a high concentration of metals (Fe: 139 ppb, Pb: 4.4 ppb, Ni: 5.4 ppb, Cd: 5.4 ppb). Epinephelus diacanthus had the highest concentration of metals (Fe: 164 ppm, Cu: 4.37 ppm, Zn: 51 ppm, Cr: 11.5 ppm). The feeding habits and habitats influence the intake of microplastics and metals. Bioaccumulation and biomagnification pose health hazards, especially for seafood-dependent populations. This study emphasizes the need for better waste management and pollution control to protect marine and human health.

Research highlights

This study analyses the distribution and ecosystem impacts of microplastics and metal contamination in the Cochin coastal region.

Higher numbers of microplastics were observed in the estuarine station than in the coastal stations due to stronger anthropogenic influence.

Microplastics accumulate metals on their surface, and their combined effect is fatal to the marine ecosystem.

Findings call for effective pollution control strategies to protect marine life and ensure seafood safety.