Microplastics threaten Mumbai’s mangroves, which are essential for biodiversity and coastal protection. According to a recent study, the average number of microplastic particles per kilogram of dry sand in these mangroves was alarmingly high, at 6,730. The study, conducted by scientists from Saudi Arabia and India under the guidance of the Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, reveals widespread microplastic pollution in six mangrove zones surrounding the metropolitan area.

Microplastics: Types and Distribution

The 2025 study included 30 sediment samples collected between October and December 2021 in six mangrove regions: less urbanized areas, such as Sewri, Vikhroli, and Elephanta Island, and urbanized regions, including Gorai, Versova, and Bandstand. Fibers accounted for more than half of the microplastics found; other types included translucent or transparent materials and particles smaller than 100 µm, which is approximately the diameter of a human hair.

With approximately 7,800 microplastic particles per kilogram of dry sediment, Versova’s mangroves had the highest concentration, likely due to inadequate waste management and urban runoff. Conversely, with more than 5,700 particles per kilogram, Sewri had the lowest, but still alarming, count.

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Ecological and Human Health Risks

There are significant hazards to ecosystems and possibly human health when microplastics threaten Mumbai’s mangroves. When benthic organisms—those that live at the bottom of water bodies—are exposed directly to contaminated sediments, these particles can build up in them. Consuming seafood can expose individuals to microplastics through the food chain. Mumbai’s mangrove levels are far higher than those seen in other Indian studies. For example, Mangalavanam in Kerala and Kota mangroves in Karnataka recorded 1,275 and 1,414–1,418 particles per kilogram, respectively, whereas Punnakayal Estuary in Tamil Nadu reported only 27 items per kilogram.

The authors emphasize that marine life and the larger ecosystem remain under threat in the absence of effective management strategies to reduce the production and discharge of microplastics. With more than three-quarters of the world’s mangroves in danger, UNESCO has declared July 26 to be the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, highlighting the significance of protecting these habitats on a global scale.

The study’s results demand that the microplastic pollution of Mumbai’s mangroves be addressed immediately. Protecting these habitats needs regular monitoring, efficient waste management, and a reduction in plastic manufacturing. The health of mangroves is important as they act as natural barriers towards coastal erosion and provide habitat for a varied range of aquatic and terrestrial animals. To ensure the survival of these essential ecosystems for future generations, communities and policymakers must collaborate to develop effective conservation policies.

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