Plastic Debris along the Beaches of Karnataka, Southwest Coast of India

This study deals with accumulation of plastic debris on five sandy beaches of the southwest coast of India. Sand from five quadrats (1 m(2)) of mid and hind dunes at each beach was assessed for the accumulation of plastic debris. Plastics were sorted, enumerated, weighed and classified based on their use (food, fishing, domestic and miscellaneous). Qualitative and quantitative variations in plastic debris were recorded between the mid and hind dunes. Quantity of plastic debris was more on mid dunes, while the number on hind dunes. Quantity and number of plastic debris between hind and mid dunes did not differ significantly. A total of 22 types of plastic debris were recovered in the quadrats, while visual observation revealed 15 additional types on beaches. Low-density polyethylene and polystyrene were most common on beaches. Accumulation of food-based plastic debris was highest (43%), followed by domestic (28%), fishing (18%) and others (11%). This study revealed that the beaches of southwest coast of India mainly consist of plastics used for food and fishing purposes. As most of the debris accumulated is of local origin, its prevention can be achieved by public education and employing safe disposal practices.