A preliminary investigation of marine litter pollution along Mandvi beach, Kachchh, Gujarat

Marine debris is a global issue with adverse impacts on marine organisms, ecological processes, aesthetics, and economies of nations. Several studies have been conducted to quantify the plastic debris along Indian beaches. This baseline study describes the results of a survey conducted on the types of plastic litters and their quantification during January to March 2020 along Mandvi beach in Gujarat. A quadrate having 10 × 10 m size was used for sampling the plastic litter on the shoreline. A total of 10 quadrates along the shore was considered for quantification of the plastic materials based on their density, color, and weight. The plastic material observed includes gutkha pouches, food wrappers, and fragments, along with plastic straws, cutleries, and fragments of various dimensions and thickness. The major contributing factors for the debris abundance in Mandvi beach are land-based sources and recreational activities. The results suggest that similar long-term projects covering extensive areas should be undertaken for accurate quantification of available debris and their impacts on coastal habitats of Gujarat. •A total of 1140 plastic items belongs 18 categories were collected along the Mandvi beach, Gujarat coast.•An average of number and weight of 63.4 items/100 m and 94.5 g/100 m to be recorded along the beach.•The gutkha pouches are contributed the highest debris found in the study location during the survey period.•The main sources of beach debris were shoreline/recreational and tourism activities based on ICC method.