West Coast Of India Research Articles

Atmospheric gaseous mercury and associated health risk assessment in the economic capital of India.

Mercury cycling in coastal metropolitan areas on the west coast of India becomes complex due to the combined effects of both intensive domestic anthropogenic emissions and marine air masses. The present study is based on yearlong data of continuous measurements of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) concentration concurrent with meteorological parameters and some air pollutants at a coastal urban site in Mumbai, on the west coast of India, for the first time. The concentration of GEM was found in a range between 2.2 and 12.3ng/m3, with a mean of 3.1 ± 1.1ng/m3, which was significantly higher than the continental background values in the Northern Hemisphere (~ 1.5ng/m3). Unlike particulates, GEM starts increasing post-winter to peak during the monsoon and decrease towards winter. July had the highest concentration of GEM followed by October, and a minimum in January. GEM exhibited a distinct diurnal cycle, mainly with a broad peak in the early morning, a narrow one by nightfall, and a minimum in the afternoon. The peaks and their timing suggest the origin of urban mobility and the start of local activities. A positive correlation between SO2, PM2.5, temperature, relative humidity, and GEM indicates that emissions from local industrial plants in the Mumbai coastal area. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) confirm this fact. Monthly back trajectory analysis showed that air mass flows are predominantly from the Arabian Sea and local human activities. Assessment of human health risks by USEPA model reveals that the hazardous quotient, HQ < 1, implies negligible carcinogenic risk. GEM observations in Mumbai during the study period are below the World Health Organization's (WHO) safe limit (200ng/m3) for long-term inhalation.

Diet composition and variation in four commonly landed and threatened shark species in Maharashtra, India

The diets of Carcharhinus limbatus, Scoliodon laticaudus, Chiloscyllium arabicum and Ch. Griesum from the west coast of India were investigated. We compared trophic resource use and overlap across and within benthic and pelagic habitat guilds, between the two sympatric species belonging to family Hemiscyliidae, and between the life stages of S. laticaudus. It was observed that there was a significant difference in the diet composition of benthic and pelagic shark species. There was no difference in the diet of the two sympatric Chiloscyllium species. S. laticaudus showed an ontogenetic dietary niche shift from an invertebrate-rich to an ichthyophagous diet. Specifically, C. limbatus showed an ichthyophagous diet while S. laticaudus showed a diet consisting of both benthic and pelagic prey. C. arabicum, C. griesum, and S. laticaudus were less dependent on teleosts and displayed similar diet composition. The study also found that several of the prey species were commercially important fish species caught in the fisheries of Malvan. Thus a change in the relative abundance of either prey or predators due to fishing pressure could influence coastal food webs, leading to impacts both on ecosystems and fisheries.

Marine benthic diatom Psammodictyon panduriforme (MACC 35) as a potent producer of long chain hydrocarbons and fatty acids of biofuel significance

Marine diatoms are promising feedstock for biofuel industries as a source of hydrocarbons and fatty acids. In the present study, eleven marine diatom isolates from the west coast of India were analysed for hydrocarbons and lipids. The comparative analyses indicated that Psammodictyon panduriforme (MACC 35), a diatom isolate from the water samples collected from 1000 m depth, with a hydrocarbon yield of 37.27 mg g−1 L−1 and 2.1 % of the total biomass of 0.56 gL−1 was a promising species followed by Biddulphia sp. (MACC 6) with hydrocarbon yield of 25.4 mg g−1 L−1 and 1.3 % of the total biomass of 0.48 g L−1. Hydrocarbon analyses by gas chromatography with high resolution mass spectrometry (GCMS) showed that the long chain hydrocarbons found in the majority of the marine diatoms were undecane 4,7 dimethyl, hexadecane, octadecane,3-ethyl-5-(2-ethyl-butyl), tetradecane, tetracosane, eicosane-2 methyl, heptacosaneand hexacosane. The fatty acid profile showed the presence of stearic acid, 9-octadecenoic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, and arachidic acid with excellent biodiesel properties. Hydrocarbons of high fuel quality can be produced by optimizing hydrocarbon production in the potent marine diatom Psammodictyon panduriforme and catalytic cracking of long chain hydrocarbons to short chain alkanes with high octane ratings.

Spatial structure and distribution of ribbonfish Trichiurus lepturus Linnaeus, 1758 along the eastern Arabian Sea

Ribbonfish Trichiurus lepturus is one of the most important pelagic fish resources in India.The west coast of India (WCI) is considered to be the major region where the species isabundant and forms a sizeable fishery. Determining the spatio-temporal abundance of fishis a key requirement for sustainable resource harvest. This paper illustrates the spatialstructure and distribution of ribbonfish along the WCI using the geostatistical technique,semi-variogram modelling. The spatio-temporal distribution map was generated by kriginginterpolation using the global neighbourhood in the study area. The results show that theareas of higher abundance of ribbonfish shifted between seasons, abundance along thenorthern region was high during the post-monsoon, while later shifting southward up to17°N, peaking between 18°N and 19°N. Furthermore, summertime peak abundance tendedto be more coastal in the Mumbai region. Ribbonfish abundance was relatively lower alongthe southern region i.e., below 15°N year-round. This finding provides additional informationto fishery managers and policymakers which will help improve the sustainability of fisheriescoupled with traditional fisheries management measures Keywords:Arabian Sea, GIS, Geo-statistics, Species distributionmodelling, Spatiotemporal management

Fishing Harbours as a Source of PAHs Pollution: A Case Study from Veraval Harbour, West Coast of India

Fishing Harbours as a Source of PAHs Pollution: A Case Study from Veraval Harbour, West Coast of India

Corrigendum to: first record of the pebble crab, Liagore rubromaculata (De Haan, 1835) (Decapoda, Brachyura, Xanthidae) from the west coast of India (DOI: 10.1163/15685403-bja10340)

Corrigendum to: first record of the pebble crab, Liagore rubromaculata (De Haan, 1835) (Decapoda, Brachyura, Xanthidae) from the west coast of India (DOI: 10.1163/15685403-bja10340)

Beyond the metropolis: street tree communities and resident perceptions on ecosystem services in small urban centers in India

Abstract Although 41% of the global urban population lives in smaller cities, the nature and trajectories of urban nature, ecosystem services and human-nature connections in smaller centers is relatively unknown. While megacities in developed countries move towards biophilic urban planning and participatory decision making, basic information on tree communities and their perceived services is a bottleneck in achieving these goals in such small urban centers. Through a combination of field measurements (258 transects, 931 trees) and semi-structured interviews (497 individuals), we assessed the street tree community and resident perceptions of ecosystem service values in two coastal cities on the west coast of India that are under rapid change. We found that mean street tree density is low in both cities, and corresponds to perceptions of recent change in tree cover (−28% in Kochi, −11% in Panjim). The street tree community in both cities were dominated by ornamental avenue trees such as Albizia saman and Peltophorum pterocarpum, but native coastal species like Cocos nucifera, Terminalia catappa and Thespesia populnea were also common. Despite recent urban growth, residents in both cities reported low value of trees for food, fodder and medicine, but high value for regulating services like shade and water. Moreover, we found strong evidence for aesthetic and cultural values of trees in both cities. Our study establishes critical baselines for biophilic planning in these small urban centers towards urban sustainability in India.

Role of Intersecting Equatorial and Coastal Waveguides Near Sri Lanka on Intraseasonal Sea Level Variability Along the West Coast of India

AbstractThe sea level variations along the west coast of India (WCI) significantly affect the ecosystems and fisheries, because of their tight coupling with the oxycline depths in this region, which hosts the world's largest natural hypoxic system. Here, we investigate the main causes of the WCI sea level variability. Using idealized experiments with a linear, continuously stratified ocean model, we first demonstrate that there is a direct pathway between the equatorial waveguide and the WCI, in addition to the well‐documented pathway that aligns with the coastal waveguide in the Bay of Bengal. This direct connection results from the intersection of equatorial and coastal waveguides near Sri Lanka. The forced and reflected equatorial Rossby waves induce sea level variations at the Sri Lankan coast around 6°N, which propagate directly to the WCI as coastal Kelvin waves, without transiting through the Bay of Bengal coastal waveguide. Using model experiments with realistic coastline and forcing, we then illustrate that this direct pathway is the primary contributor (0.4 regression coefficient) to the WCI intraseasonal (20–150 days) sea level variability, followed by the Bay of Bengal coastal waveguide pathway (0.3) and the wind forcing in a small region near Sri Lanka (0.25). The remote forcing originating from the rest of the Bay of Bengal and the WCI local wind forcing have weaker influence. We conclude by discussing why this direct connection exhibits strong impact on sea level variability at the intraseasonal timescale, while its influence is considerably weaker at the longer seasonal and interannual timescales.

Sub-daily scale variations and trends in southwest monsoon rainfall over the West coasts of India and Myanmar

The West Coast of India (WCI) and the West Coast of Myanmar (WCM) receive a good amount of monsoon rainfall due to the orographic lifting and moisture transport from the neighbouring sea. Here, diurnal variation in rainfall amount, frequency, intensity, and contribution during the summer monsoon period was studied using TRMM 3 hourly precipitation data. The analysis was carried out over lowland, midland and highland regions of both the coasts. The subregions exhibit a similar diurnal pattern even though the intensity and frequency of rainfall vary from region to region. Generally, bimodal variations with late afternoon and early morning peaks are found over lowland and midland regions of both WCI and WCM in rainfall frequency, amount and contribution. However, highland regions exhibit unimodal variation with a single late afternoon peak. Over WCI, lowland regions exhibit primary peak during early morning, whereas lowlands of WCM exhibit primary peak during afternoon hours. Rainfall intensity exhibits a different pattern compared to other parameters. Rainfall intensity increases from south to north over both the coasts. Among the subregions, maximum rainfall intensity is found over midlands and minimum over highlands. In general, more rainfall is observed over subregions of WCM than subregions of WCI. Most of the lowland and midland regions, exhibit a significant increasing trend in rainfall frequency and contribution at morning hours and a significant decreasing trend at afternoon hours. Rainfall frequency exhibit different periodicities during different time indicating interannual heterogeneity in rainfall. The diurnal pattern of summer monsoon rainfall over the Indian and Myanmar West coasts shows remarkable latitudinal and topographical variations.

Copepoda community imprints the continuity of the oceanic and shelf oxygen minimum zones along the west coast of India

The largest continental shelf Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ) in the world is formed along the Indian western shelf in the eastern Arabian Sea during the Southwest Monsoon [(SWM); June–September], which is a natural pollution event associated with the coastal upwelling. This study examines the composition, abundance, and distribution of copepods during the Northeast Monsoon [(NEM); November to February] and SWM in 50 m depth zones along the Indian western shelf in the eastern Arabian Sea. The NEM was characterised by warm, stratified, and low-salinity waters in the southeast Arabian Sea and cold, high-salinity, and well-mixed waters in the northeastern Arabian Sea. During the SWM, cold and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) deficient waters (<22 μM/0.5 ml L−1), which are the signs of coastal upwelling, were evident all along the study zone, but with more intensity off Kochi, Mangalore, and Goa in the south than off Mumbai and Okha in the north. The zooplankton total biomass and abundance showed seasonality with a general decrease during the SWM (av. 3.68 ± 1.29 ml m−3 and av. 5711 ± 3096 Ind. m−3, respectively) compared to the NEM (av. 7.37 ± 2.17 ml m−3 and av. 14,473 ± 4966 Ind. m−3, respectively). At the same time, the abundance of Polychaeta and Siphonophora showed an increase during the SWM (av. 1187 ± 1055 Ind. m−3 and av. 169 ± 119 Ind. m−3, respectively), probably a result of the DO deficient waters associated with upwelling. Two striking seasonal features in Copepoda community were evident in this study: (a) a compositional shift from Cyclopoida dominant during the NEM to Calanoida dominant during the SWM, and (b) the coastal OMZ along the Indian western shelf during the SWM was dominated by Calanoida, which include oceanic OMZ species such as Pleuromamma indica, Lucicutia flavicornis, L.paraclausii, Eucalanus elongatus, Subeucalanus pileatus, S.subcrassus, and Clausocalanus furcatus. This forms a clear imprint for the extension of the oceanic OMZ into nearshore waters during the SWM due to coastal upwelling.

Constraints from GPS measurements on plate coupling within the Makran subduction zone and tsunami scenarios in the western Indian Ocean

SUMMARY Plate-coupling estimates and previous seismicity indicate that portions of the Makran megathrust of southern Pakistan and Iran are partially coupled and have the potential to produce future magnitude 7+ earthquakes. However, the GPS observations needed to constrain coupling models are sparse and lead to an incomplete understanding of regional earthquake and tsunami hazard. In this study, we assess GPS velocities for plate coupling of the Makran subduction zone with specific attention to model resolution and the accretionary prism rheology. We use finite element model-derived Green's functions to invert for the interseismic slip deficit under both elastic and viscoelastic Earth assumptions. We use the model resolution matrix to characterize plate-coupling scenarios that are consistent with the limited spatial resolution afforded by GPS observations. We then forward model the corresponding tsunami responses at major coastal cities within the western Indian Ocean basin. Our plate-coupling results show potential segmentation of the megathrust with varying coupling from west to east, but do not rule out a scenario where the entire length of the megathrust could rupture in a single earthquake. The full subduction zone rupture scenarios suggest that the Makran may be able to produce earthquakes up to Mw 9.2. The corresponding tsunami model from the largest earthquake event (Mw 9.2) estimates maximum wave heights reaching 2–5 m at major port cities in the northern Arabian Sea region. Cities on the west coast of India are less affected (1–2 m). Coastlines bounding eastern Africa, and the Strait of Hormuz, are the least affected (&amp;lt;1 m).

Reproductive biology of estuarine migrants Mugil cephalus from Narmada estuary, west coast of India

The reproductive biology of an estuarine migrant, Mugil cephalus, as well as the estimated length-weight relationships of the specimens obtained from the west coast of India, downstream of the Narmada estuary, were examined in the present study. From November 2018 to February 2020, gill nets, bagnets, and dragnets were used seasonally to collect fish samples from the four landing sites of Jhanor, Bharuch, Bhadbhut, and Mehegam. The studies also looked at how salinity, total alkalinity, pH, specific conductivity, depth, water temperature, transparency, dissolved oxygen, and pH affected M. cephalus reproduction. Mugil cephalus had a size range of 113–296 mm and weighed 13.2–283 g, and there were no noticeable differences between the sexes (0.97: 1.0). Males were estimated to be 158 mm in length and females were estimated to be 171 mm in length at first maturity. Throughout the seasons’, spawning activity has been seen, with a peak in winter months (January and February). The spawning season, which occurs in the months of January and February, was when highly gonado-somatic (GSI) values were observed. Mugil cephalus was found to be a high-fecund species, with absolute fecundity, ranging from 18525–567688 (184706 ± 159527, mean ± SD) and relative fecundity from 207–2117 (1012 ± 582, mean ± SD). Variations of GSI values for females’ individuals indicated that the highest values were observed during January 2019 (18.31 ± 8.50, mean ± SE) and February 2020 (10.63 ± 2.97, mean ± SE) indicating peak spawning seasons of M. cephalus during those months. The distribution of ova diameter frequency indicates that the species spawns at least twice a year in batches. The current findings will improve our understanding of the biology of M. cephalus, an estuary migratory species, which will be useful in the subsequent management of similar migratory species in estuarine environments.

Dynamics of land, ocean, and atmospheric parameters associated with Tauktae cyclone.

During the pre- and post-monsoon season, the eastern and western coasts are highly vulnerable to cyclones. The tropical cyclone "Tauktae" formed in the Arabian Sea on 14 May 2021 and moved along the west coast of India, and landfall occurred on 17 May 2021. During the cyclone, the maximum wind speed was 220km/h with a pressure of 935 mb affecting meteorological, atmospheric parameters, and weather conditions of the northern and central parts of India causing devastating damage. Analysis of satellite, Argo, and ground data show pronounced changes in the oceanic, atmospheric, and meteorological parameters associated during the formation and landfall of the cyclone. During cyclone generation (before landfall), the air temperature (AT) was maximum (30.51°C), and winds (220km/h) were strong with negative omega values (0.3). The relative humidity (RH) and rainfall (RF) were observed to be higher at the location of the cyclone formation in the ocean and over the landfall location, with an average value of 81.28% and 21.45mm/day, respectively. The concentration oftotal column ozone (TCO), CO volume mixing ratio (COVMR),H2O mass mixing ratio (H2O MMR),aerosolparameters (AOD, AE) and air quality parameter (PM)was increased over land and along the cyclone track, leading to adeterioration inthe air quality. The strong wind mixes the air mass from the surroundingsto the localanthropogenic emissions,and causing strong mixing of the aerosols. The detailed results show apronounced change in the ocean, land, meteorological, and atmospheric parameters showing a strong land-ocean-atmospherecoupling associated with the cyclone.

Unveiling the diets of Eurasian Curlew and Bar-tailed Godwit through droppings analysis on the west coast of India

This study examines the population dynamics and dietary patterns of the near-threatened Eurasian Curlew and Bar-tailed Godwit along west coast of India, underscoring critical conservation issues. From 2010 to 2023, both species experienced significant declines, with peak abundances observed on sandy beaches, deviating from their usual mudflat and mangrove habitats. Analysing 231 droppings identified seven key prey types, with polychaetes and small crabs being most common in mangroves and mudflats, while Cosmonotus crabs were predominantly found on sand beaches. Species-specific prey preferences were evident, with Bar-tailed Godwits showing a significant association with polychaetes and medium crabs. The findings highlight the urgent need for habitat restoration, pollution reduction, and focused conservation efforts to ensure the resilience and survival of these critical shorebird species.

Mitochondrial DNA-based investigation of dead rorqual (Cetacea: Balaenopteridae) from the west coast of India

Mitochondrial DNA-based investigation of dead rorqual (Cetacea: Balaenopteridae) from the west coast of India

Assessment of the age and growth of three fin fish species from a tropical estuary (Cochin, west coast of India)

Data on three fin fish species were collected from the Cochin estuary (part of the Vembanad–Kol wetland system, India) from January 2018 to December 2019. The present study presents the first comprehensive results on fisheries demographics within this estuary, based on length-frequency data, to calculate vital demographic dynamic factors and estimate the stock of the commercially important three fin fish species. A variety of evaluations were conducted using the FiSAT II program. Caranx heberi had an asymptotic length (L) of 304.5 mm and a growth constant (K) of 1.1 year-1, while Etroplus suratensis had an asymptotic length (L) of 158.55 mm as well as a growth constant (K) of 1.1 year-1. For all the species studied, the age at zero-length (t0) had been calculated and varied from −0.04 to −0.14. Oreochromis mossambicus had longevity (tmax) of 4.76 yr and a growth performance index (ɸ) of 4.51, whereas E. suratensis had 2.72 and 4.44. E. suratensis had overall mortality (Z), natural mortality (M), and fishing mortality (F) of 2.93, 1.2 and 1.73 year-1, respectively, while C. heberi had 1.42, 1, and 0.42 year-1. The present exploitation level is greater than the optimum exploitation rate, according to the relative yield per recruit (Y/R) study, indicating over-exploitation of two examined finfish species and moderate exploitation for one species. Management measures such as mesh size limitations, restricted fishing efforts, and the proclamation of restricted seasons are required to save these species from extinction.

Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity of Cyanthilium Cinereum and Cinnamon-in Vitro Study

Introduction: Cyanthillium cinereum is a native of tropical Africa and Asia (India, Indochina, Indonesia) and is used as a smoking cessation drug and relief for cold. Leaves act as an abortifacient and blood purifier and have diuretic, antiviral, analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamon is the inner bark of cinnamon cassia found on the west coast of India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. It is a forest evergreen tree that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-microbial properties, treats bronchitis, diabetes and has traces of Vitamin B &amp; K. Hence, we aimed to study the antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity in the herbal synergy of cinnamon and cyanthillium cinereum. Materials and Methods: An in vitro study was conducted, and the polar aqueous extract of this combination of herbs cinnamon \ and cyanthilium cinereum was prepared and tested for DPPH assay assay to study its antioxidant properties and the absorbance value was evaluated. Brine Shrimp Assay with viable nauplii cell lines was used for cytotoxicity assessment. Results: Antioxidant activity of the aqueous extract of Cyanthillium cinereum and Cinnamon revealed that there was a decrease in the antioxidant activity with an increase in the concentration of the aqueous extract. Cytotoxicity of the aqueous extract of Cyanthillium cinereum and Cinnamon reported an increase in the cytotoxic activity with a rise in the concentration of the aqueous extract. Conclusion: This research showed that aqueous extract of cinnamon and cyanthillium cinereum has good antioxidant activity, is less cytotoxic, and can be used as a therapeutic and preventive medicine.

Transitioning Wintering Shorebirds to Agroecosystem: A Thorough Evaluation of Habitat Selection and Conservation Concern

Habitat fragmentation and degradation in natural wetlands has resulted in declines in the populations of shorebirds in the Indian subcontinent. Shorebirds rely on these wetlands as wintering or stop-over sites along the southern extent of the Central Asian Flyway. Shorebirds are known to utilize agroecosystems as alternate foraging habitats. The suitability of agroecosystems as foraging areas for overwintering migratory shorebirds has not been well studied in the Indian subcontinent. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of published literature and compiled field observations to investigate the importance of inland and coastal agroecosystems for shorebirds in India. We assessed the shorebird populations at natural wetlands: mudflats and mangroves of Kadalundi Vallikkunnu Community Reserve (KVCR) and Puthuvypu sand beach, as well as adjacent agroecosystems on the west coast of India, including Sanketham Wetlands, Manthalakkadavu, Vazhakkad, Elamaram, Kodinhi, and Kooriyad. On the east coast, we assessed the natural wetland habitats of Valinokkam, Point Calimere, and Pichavaram and evaluated inland agroecosystems in regions, such as Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Fifty-three shorebird species utilize diverse agroecosystems from various parts of India. While studies on the use of agroecosystems by shorebirds are limited on the east coast, evidence suggests that major wintering sites are adjacent to paddy fields, fostering substantial shorebird diversity. In Pichavaram, Point Calimere, and Gulf of Mannar regions, 22 shorebird species utilize agroecosystems, including the notable near-threatened Eurasian Curlew. Seventeen of these species are winter arrivals, highlighting the crucial role agroecosystems play as stopover areas. On the west coast, 19 shorebird species appear to utilize agroecosystems in Kooriyad, Manthalakkadavu, Vazhakkad, Sanketham Wetlands, Elamaram, and Kodinhi. Few species use agricultural fields in the north (Jammu and Kashmir). Paddy fields, that are flooded as part of the cropping cycle, support diverse prey species, such as macroinvertebrates, amphibians, and small fish, that could attract and support migratory shorebirds. Agricultural practices like fallowing, flooding, and ploughing could further increase the abundance and accessibility of prey for shorebirds, drawing them in greater numbers. It is crucial to recognize that unsustainable and unethical agricultural methods could detrimentally affect shorebird numbers. The accumulation of pesticide residues and the contamination from heavy metals could also threaten shorebirds. As a result, there is an urgent need for detailed research to better evaluate the importance of agroecosystems in supporting resident or migratory shorebirds. Systematic studies that explain the population dynamics, habitat selection trends, habitat utilization, and the over-summering behavior of the migratory birds at agroecosystems are needed. Implementing sustainable conservation strategies and adopting environmentally friendly agricultural practices are essential to support the rich biodiversity of the region.

Gayralia brasiliensis Pellizzari M.C. Oliveira et N.S. Yokoya (Gayraliaceae Ulotrichales): a new record for Indian waters based on morphological and molecular analysis

Abstract Gayralia brasiliensis Pellizzari, M.C. Oliveira et N.S. Yokoya (Gayraliaceae Ulotrichales), a new record for Indian waters, is described based on morphological, anatomical, and molecular characterization. Gayralia brasiliensis was growing luxuriantly towards the upper limit of the intertidal zone at Shirgaon Creek, Maharashtra, west coast of India. The thalli were pale green in color, growing mat-like on muddy substrata. Juvenile thalli were attached to pneumatophores of mangroves, and barnacles, as well as on polyethylene sheets through a rhizoidal disc. The molecular characterization verifies the presence of G. brasiliensis in western India. We observed overlapping morphological traits between G. brasiliensis and G. oxysperma. However, the ITS sequence showed 100 % similarity with no nucleotide divergence to Brazilian G. brasiliensis. The phylogenetic analysis based on ITS rDNA sequence showed that G. brasiliensis from Shirgaon Creek forms a sister lineage to G. oxysperma.

The threat of microplastics: Exploring pollution in coastal ecosystems and migratory shorebirds along the west coast of India

To evaluate the exposure risk and ingestion of microplastics by migratory shorebirds, which are regarded as apex predators in the coastal ecosystem, this study investigated the ubiquitous presence of microplastics in estuarine and coastal habitats and their potential to be transferred in the food chains. We analysed the presence of microplastics in water, sediment, major macroinvertebrate prey and the guano samples of ten shorebird species from ten important wintering grounds in the west coast of India. Our results revealed that water is the primary source through which microplastics disseminate into various ecosystem components. Microplastic debris in various forms were reported in all samples analysed, with microfibres being the most abundant form. While polyethylene and polypropylene were found as the major microplastic types in water, sediment, and prey samples, polystyrene was most abundant in guano samples. Microplastic transfer and impacts in this delicate ecosystem demand further investigations.