Journal of Environmental Biology

Unveiling the sources and impacts of plastic pollution: A preliminary study at Pattinapakkam Beach, Chennai, India during Cyclone Fengal

M. Kanmani¹, P. Masswin Joel¹, D. Rebecca Cathrine Jayakumari¹, N. Deborah Anne Rose¹, S. Jeyanthi², C. Sheeba Anitha Nesakumari³ and N. Thirunavukkarasu¹*     

¹Presidency Research Innovations in Zoological Eminence (PRIZE) Lab, Department of Zoology, Presidency College (Autonomous), Chennai -600 005, India

²Department of Zoology, Ethiraj College for Women (Autonomous), Chennai -600 008, India

³Department of Zoology, Madras Christian College (Autonomous), Chennai -600 059, India

Received: 05 May 2025                   Revised: 05 August 2025                   Accepted: 05 January 2026

*Corresponding Author Email : marinethiru@gmail.com                 *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1460-8001

Abstract

Aim: This study investigates the impacts of Cyclone Fengal (December 2024) on plastic debris accumulation along the South-East coast of Tamil Nadu, India, particularly in Pattinapakkam, Chennai. It aims to understand the composition, sources and ecological implications of cyclone driven plastic pollution.

Methodology: Field work focused on a 2.5 km coastal stretch using systematic grid sampling, dividing the area into 12 sites, each marked by a 5m × 5m grid (25m^²), ensuring spatial variability. Visible debris larger than 25 mm were collected and categorized by material and polymer type. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) was used to evaluate spatial variation in debris accumulation.

Results: The findings revealed a plastic composition of 63% hard plastics, 27% film, 2% fibres, 5% styrofoam, and 3% other polymers, with polyethylene (PE) dominating at 67.6%. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) confirmed non-significance with a p-value> 0.05. Debris sources were traced to land-based (89%) and ocean-based (11%) origins.

Interpretation: Cyclone-induced winds, storm surges and runoff contribute to increased marine debris accumulation posing significant threats to marine biota via ingestion of weathered plastics, entanglement of fishing nets. In addition, uprooting of seaweeds disrupts ecosystems and reduces the ocean's carbon sink capacity. This study highlights the urgent need for targeted policies and waste management strategies to protect coastal ecosystems.

Key words: Coastal ecosystems, Cyclone Fengal, Marine plastic pollution, Ocean conservation, Plastic debris accumulation

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