Microplastics in Indian Coastal Ecosystems: Sources, Distribution, and Ecological Impact

Abstract

Microplastic pollution has emerged as a significant environmental concern of the twenty-first century, with growing evidence of widespread contamination across marine and coastal ecosystems globally. India, with its 7,500 kilometre coastline, dense coastal populations, intensive fishing activity, and rapidly growing plastic consumption, represents a particularly important context for understanding microplastic dynamics. This article examines microplastics in Indian coastal ecosystems, focusing on sources, distribution, and ecological impact. Drawing on a critical literature review methodology, the study analyses peer-reviewed scholarship and government scientific reports published between 2015 and 2025. The analysis identifies four major dimensions of microplastic pollution in Indian coastal contexts: the diverse sources contributing to microplastic loading, including land-based plastic mismanagement, river inputs, fishing-related debris, and atmospheric deposition; the spatial and temporal distribution patterns across beaches, sediments, surface waters, and biota; the ecological impact on marine organisms, food webs, and ecosystem functioning; and the human health and socioeconomic implications. The study draws on marine pollution science, environmental toxicology, and emerging microplastic-specific research. Findings indicate that microplastic contamination is widespread across Indian coastal regions, with significant variation linked to urban density, river inputs, and fishing intensity. Effects on marine biota, including ingestion by fish, invertebrates, and plankton, have been documented across multiple regions, with implications for fisheries, biodiversity, and food security. The article concludes with implications for environmental policy, scientific research priorities, and integrated coastal zone management in India.