Microplastic pollution is posing a growing threat to Goa's Terekhol and Sal estuaries, with human activities like fishing, raw sewage discharge and plastic waste disposal turning these coastal waterways into contaminated zones that pose ecological and human health risks, according to a study by Goa University (GU).
The research, titled ‘Comparative Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in Terekhol & Sal Estuaries, Goa, India’ and conducted by researchers Niyati Kalangutkar, Shritesh Mhapsekar, and Parvathy Rajagopal, reveals concerning contamination levels in both estuaries, with Sal estuary more severely affected.
Microplastic pollution was found at all studied locations, with Terekhol estuary showing concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 0.85 particles per litre (average 0.25), while Sal estuary ranged from 0.01 to 0.59 particles per litre (average 0.30).
A Goa University study shows microplastic pollution in Terekhol and Sal estuaries
Human activities like fishing, raw sewage discharge and plastic waste disposal are the major triggers for this pollution
Terekhol estuary shows concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 0.85 particles per litre (average 0.25), while Sal estuary ranged from 0.01 to 0.59 particles per litre (average 0.30)
Both estuaries showed predominance of microplastics in the 5–1 mm size range
Polymer analysis identified polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyamide in samples from both sites
CONTAMINATION ALERT FOR TWO GOA RIVERS
A Goa University study shows microplastic pollution in Terekhol and Sal estuaries
Human activities like fishing, raw sewage discharge and plastic waste disposal are the major triggers for this pollution
Terekhol estuary shows concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 0.85 particles per litre (average 0.25), while Sal estuary ranged from 0.01 to 0.59 particles per litre (average 0.30)
Both estuaries showed predominance of microplastics in the 5–1 mm size range
Polymer analysis identified polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyamide in samples from both sites
Microplastic menace threatens rivers Sal and Terekhol
Both estuaries showed predominance of microplastics in the 5–1 mm size range, with white being the most common colour.
Distinct contamination patterns emerged between the estuaries, with fibres more prevalent in Terekhol and fragments dominating Sal. Polymer analysis identified polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyamide in samples from both sites. The primary sources include fishing activities, everyday plastic products, sewage discharges, packaging materials, and ropes, with river inflows and fishing-related activities being the main contributors.
Pollution Load Index values for both estuaries exceeded 1, confirming contamination. Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy analysis revealed surface degradation in microplastic particles and presence of elements including carbon, oxygen, iron, silicon, and various metals.
Sal estuary faces greater anthropogenic pressure from fishing jetties, untreated sewage discharge, and contaminated tributaries, resulting in higher microplastic prevalence. While Terekhol estuary is also contaminated, it appears less severely impacted with less intense pollution sources.
The researchers recommend establishing continuous monitoring systems to track pollution sources and implementing policy interventions to reduce single-use plastics, improve waste management, and enhance public awareness. They also call for comprehensive eco-toxicological assessments to evaluate the impact of microplastic-bound metals and polymers on local aquatic fauna. The study emphasizes that protecting Goa's estuarine environments requires a combined approach of regulatory actions and research initiatives to address this urgent environmental issue.