Occurrence, Distribution, and Physical Characterization of Macro- and Mesoplastic Debris in Beach Sediments of the Sutrapada-Veraval Coast, Northwestern India

Abstract

Plastic debris poses a significant and escalating threat to coastal ecosystems worldwide, yet baseline data from many regional shorelines remain scarce. This study assessed the abundance, distribution, and physical characteristics of mesoplastics (5 mm-2.5 cm) and macroplastics (>2.5 cm) in beach sediments along the Sutrapada-Veraval coastline of Gujarat, India, over an eight-month monitoring period. Mean macroplastic abundance was 5.94 ± 3.49 and 8.75 ± 3.77 items/m² at Somnath and Sutrapada beaches, respectively. Rope pieces dominated the macroplastic assemblage at Somnath (45.39%), whereas plastic pouches were most prevalent at Sutrapada (45.37%). Mean mesoplastic abundance was 1.04 ± 1.25 and 1.31 ± 1.36 items/m² at Somnath and Sutrapada beaches, respectively. Thermocol was the leading mesoplastic category at both sites, accounting for 24.53% at Somnath and 61.90% at Sutrapada. These findings indicate persistent plastic contamination along this economically important coastline and emphasise the need for targeted waste-management interventions and sustained long-term monitoring.