01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-08-0184 |
| Title of Abstract | Barnacles as bio indicator of microplastic contamination in the rocky intertidal zone of Gujarat state, India |
| Authors | Doshi Mahima *, Trivedi Jigneshkumar |
| Organisation | Department of Life Sciences, H.N.G.U, Patan |
| Address | "Arihant",11, Patel colony, near sandip apartment, Jamnagar Jamnagar, Gujarat, India Pincode: 361008 E-mail: doshimahimah@gmail.com |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Poster |
| Abstract | In marine habitats microplastics (MPs) act as vectors for harmful pollutants by absorbing and accumulating contaminants. Barnacles are well-known filter feeders; they get their food from water by eradicating organic particles from water column in which makes them susceptible to contamination of MPs. This study assessed MP contamination in barnacles from 13 sites in Gujarat state, India. Eight barnacle species were collected and dissected; soft tissues were digested in 10% KOH. After digestion, a NaCl solution was used for density-gradient separation, and the supernatant was filtered. Filter papers were examined under a stereomicroscope, and MPs were quantified for total count, shape, size, and colour. A total of 484 MP particles were recorded from barnacle tissues. The highest contamination was observed in Chthamalus barnesi (10 ± 3.74 MPs/g) and the lowest in Megabalanus tintinnabulum (1.22 ± 0.31 MPs/g). The highest abundance of MPs was observed at Shivrajpur and lowest abundance was observed at Kuchhadi. Significant variations in contamination levels were observed between species and study sites. Fibres were predominant, mostly blue and 1⿿2 mm in size. ATR-FTIR analysis identified polyethylene, polyamide, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and polyurethane. Contamination factor, pollution load, and risk indices indicated varying risk categories. This study highlights the accumulation of MPs in filter-feeding barnacles and their potential trophic transfer to higher taxa |
| Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed project | no |
| Keywords | filter feeding, contaminant, indices, plastic pollution. |
| For Awards | no |