Prevalence of microplastics in the sediments of Odisha beaches, southeastern coast of India

The prevalence of microplastics along the coastal habitats has become a global concern owing to the increased input of plastic debris from multiple sources. The present study is the first of its kind to examine the prevalence and distribution of microplastics in Odisha coast. The average microplastic abundance in the nine stations along Odisha coastal beach is 258.7 ± 90.0 particles/kg of beach sediment. Among the stations sampled, Swargadwara was reported with the highest microplastic abundance of 378.3 ± 39.7 particles/kg of beach sediment andAbhayachandpurwas found with the lowest number of 153.3 ± 27.3 particles/kg. Different types of microplastics varying in color, size, and shape were encountered in the study. From the Raman spectroscopic analysis, twelve types of polymers including High Density Polyethylene, Polystyrene, Polyvinyl chloride, and acrylonitrile copolymer were identified. [Display omitted] •The present study is the first microplastic assessment in the sediments from Odisha coast, South east of India.•Microplastic contamination in the sediment was found to be 258.7 ± 90.0 particles/kg of beach sediment.•Among stations sampled, Swargadwara found with highest microplastic abundance and Abhayachandpur with the lowest number.•Microplastic density order: Swargadwara>Chandipur>Chandrabhaga> Golden beach >Beleswar> Gopalpur >Paradeep>Sunapur>Abhayachandpur.•Raman spectral analysis revealed the presence of HDPE, Polystyrene, Poly vinly chloride and acrylonitrile copolymer.