Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The proliferation of microplastics in coastal ecosystems has raised concerns about their environmental impacts and the need for effective mitigation strategies. This thesis focuses on the assessment of microplastics pollution in coastal ecosystems, aiming to investigate its impacts and propose strategies to mitigate its adverse effects. The study encompasses a comprehensive review of existing literature on microplastics pollution, including sources, distribution, and ecological consequences. Through the application of various research methodologies, including field surveys, laboratory analyses, and modeling techniques, the research aims to quantify the extent of microplastics contamination in selected coastal areas. Moreover, the study seeks to evaluate the potential ecological impacts of microplastics on marine organisms and ecosystems, considering the risks posed by ingestion, bioaccumulation, and toxicological effects. Additionally, the research explores innovative mitigation approaches to address microplastics pollution, such as source reduction, policy interventions, and sustainable waste management practices. The findings of this study are expected to contribute valuable insights into the assessment and management of microplastics pollution in coastal ecosystems, providing a foundation for future research and policy development in this critical environmental issue.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Assessment of Microplastics Pollution in Coastal Ecosystems: Impacts and Mitigation Strategies" aims to investigate the presence, distribution, and effects of microplastics in coastal ecosystems. Microplastics are small plastic particles less than 5mm in size that are increasingly becoming a significant environmental concern due to their widespread presence and potential adverse impacts on marine life and ecosystem health. The research will begin with a comprehensive literature review to provide a background understanding of microplastics pollution, including sources, pathways, and the current state of knowledge regarding their impacts on coastal ecosystems. This will set the stage for the subsequent chapters of the thesis, which will focus on the research methodology, data collection, analysis, and findings. The primary objectives of the study include assessing the levels of microplastics contamination in coastal environments, identifying the sources and transport mechanisms of microplastics, evaluating their potential ecological impacts on marine organisms and habitats, and proposing effective mitigation strategies to address this environmental issue. The research methodology will involve field surveys, sample collection, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation to quantify the abundance and distribution of microplastics in different coastal habitats. Various sampling techniques and analytical methods will be employed to assess the types, sizes, and concentrations of microplastics present in the study area. The findings of the study will be presented and discussed in detail in the results chapter, highlighting the spatial and temporal variability of microplastics pollution, the potential risks posed to marine organisms, and the implications for ecosystem health and biodiversity. The discussion chapter will also explore the effectiveness of existing mitigation measures and propose new strategies to reduce and prevent microplastics pollution in coastal ecosystems. Overall, this research seeks to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on microplastics pollution in coastal environments and provide valuable insights into the impacts of these pollutants on marine ecosystems. By identifying key sources and hotspots of microplastics contamination and proposing targeted mitigation strategies, this study aims to inform policy development and conservation efforts to protect and preserve coastal ecosystems for future generations.