Microplastics in Scylla Serrata: A baseline study from southwest India.

Scylla serrata plays a crucial role in India's seafood exports yet there exists limited understanding on the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in these crabs. In this baseline study, we examined the presence of microplastics in the digestive tracts of S. serrata collected from the Kota mangroves, southwestern coast of India. Our analysis revealed the presence of 264 MPs in all the samples with an average (± standard deviation) of 29.33 (±11.53) MPs/Individual. The most dominant categories were fibres (98.86 %) and fragments (1.14 %). Primarily 0.1–0.3 mm (50.90 %) and 0.3–1 mm (37.65 %) size range dominated. The predominant polymers were polypropylene (33.71 %), high-density polyethylene (31.44 %), and polyethylene terephthalate (17.80 %). Scanning electron microscopy revealed extensive weathering on the surface of the microplastics. Risk assessments indicated severe risks to S. serrata due to microplastic ingestion emphasizing the need to protect delicate ecosystems like mangroves and the biota within. [Display omitted] • A first report on microplastics in Scylla serrata from a mangrove forest in India. • The microplastics were dominated by 0.3–1 mm and 0.1–0.3 mm-sized fibres. • Polypropylene and high-density polyethylene were the dominant polymers. • The Polymer Hazard Index indicated a severe risk to the mud crabs. • The data are important as India exports a large amount of Scylla serrata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]