Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The increasing presence of microplastics in coastal ecosystems has raised concerns about its adverse impacts on marine life and the environment. This thesis aims to assess the extent of microplastic pollution in coastal ecosystems, explore its impacts on marine organisms and habitats, and propose effective mitigation strategies to address this environmental issue. The study involves a comprehensive review of existing literature on microplastic pollution, its sources, distribution, and effects on marine ecosystems. It also includes field surveys and laboratory analyses to quantify and characterize microplastics in selected coastal areas. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the research topic, outlining the background, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance of the study, and the structure of the thesis. Chapter 2 presents a detailed literature review covering ten key aspects related to microplastic pollution in coastal ecosystems. The review explores the current understanding of microplastic sources, transport mechanisms, accumulation patterns, and ecological impacts on marine organisms. Chapter 3 describes the research methodology employed in this study, including sampling techniques, laboratory analyses, data collection, and statistical methods. The chapter outlines the procedures followed to assess microplastic contamination levels in coastal sediments, water, and biota, as well as the identification of microplastic types and sizes. Chapter 4 presents a thorough discussion of the research findings, highlighting the distribution patterns of microplastics in coastal environments, the bioaccumulation of microplastics in marine organisms, and the potential ecological consequences of microplastic pollution. The chapter also evaluates the effectiveness of existing mitigation strategies and proposes innovative approaches to reduce microplastic inputs into coastal ecosystems. Chapter 5 concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings, discussing the implications of the study results, and providing recommendations for future research and policy development. The conclusion emphasizes the urgent need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to address microplastic pollution in coastal ecosystems and safeguard marine biodiversity and ecosystem health. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on microplastic pollution in coastal ecosystems and provides valuable insights into the impacts of microplastics on marine environments. The study underscores the importance of implementing proactive measures to mitigate microplastic pollution and protect coastal ecosystems for future generations.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in Coastal Ecosystems: Impacts and Mitigation Strategies" aims to investigate the presence and effects of microplastic pollution in coastal ecosystems and propose effective mitigation strategies to address this environmental concern. Microplastics, which are small plastic particles less than 5mm in size, have increasingly become a significant environmental issue due to their widespread distribution and potential adverse impacts on marine life and ecosystem health. The study will commence with a comprehensive review of existing literature to establish the current knowledge on microplastic pollution in coastal areas. This literature review will encompass various aspects such as sources of microplastics, their pathways into coastal ecosystems, the ecological impacts on marine organisms, and the potential risks to human health through the food chain. The research methodology will involve field surveys and sample collection from selected coastal sites to quantify the abundance and distribution of microplastics in different marine compartments such as water, sediment, and biota. Various analytical techniques, including microscopy and spectroscopy, will be employed to identify and characterize the types and sizes of microplastics present in the samples. The findings from the field surveys and laboratory analyses will be discussed in detail in the subsequent chapter. The results will provide insights into the spatial and temporal variability of microplastic pollution in coastal ecosystems, as well as the potential ecological impacts on marine organisms and habitats. Furthermore, the study will evaluate the effectiveness of current mitigation measures and propose novel strategies to reduce and manage microplastic pollution in coastal environments. In conclusion, the research project on the assessment of microplastic pollution in coastal ecosystems aims to contribute valuable knowledge to the scientific community and environmental policymakers. By enhancing our understanding of the sources, impacts, and mitigation strategies related to microplastic pollution, this study seeks to promote sustainable management practices that safeguard the health and integrity of coastal ecosystems for future generations.