Seven different colouredmicroplastics black, blue, red, grey, brown, green and transparent were identified in thewatersamples collected and tested by the National Institute of (NIO) and Delhi-based advocacy group, Toxics Link, from across the Goa.
Black coloured microplastics were dominant in all the water samples followed by blue, red, grey, brown, green and transparent.
Microplastics (MP) are particles of plastic that are less than 5mm in size and have been recognised globally as one of the most critical emerging marine pollutants due to their persistence, ubiquity and toxic potential.
The research identified 129 microplastic particles in all the locations and a total of 26 different polymer types were found.
Among all the microplastics analysed, at 28.4% polyacetylene was found to be the maximum followed by EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol) at 25.9%, styrene/isoprene ABA block copolymer at 9.9%, polyvinyl alcohol at 9.9%, polyamide at 8.6%, poly vinyl chloride (PVC) at 8.6% and polyvinyl pyrrolidone at 8.6%.
Blue-coloured microplastics were most commonly found, which, according to the study, might have originated from fishing nets or the use of other plastic packaging products.
Polypropylene (PP) fibres were found in typically blue or red colour. These are widely used in the packaging, Fisheries and textile industries.
The main sources of the transparent and white microplastics are plastic carry bags and packaging materials and can also be sourced from fishing lines.