The Microplastic Boom: How Storms Shift Pollution in Chennai

Diving into the coastal waters of Thiruvottiyur after a storm. Researchers spotted something alarming: a surge in tiny plastic pieces, known as microplastics. Before Cyclone Michaung, these debris were just 150 per kilogram of sediment and 1. 28 per liter of seawater. But after the cyclone, the numbers spiked to 186 per kilogram and 3. 65 per liter! Why the change? Storms stir up the sea, moving these tiny pollutants around. But it gets worse. These microplastics carry harmful metals like aluminum, magnesium, zinc, and others, potentially spreading toxins. Artemia franciscana, a tiny shrimp, felt the brunt. Exposed to these pollutants, these critters showed signs of stress, with increased levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reactive oxygen species. This suggests that weather shifts don't just move microplastics, but also alter how they affect marine life. So, what can we do? Understanding these shifts can help us figure out ways to cut down on marine microplastic pollution.