An evaluation of glass beads from the southwestern coastal state of Goa, India, as a potential pollutant in marine ecosystem

Abstract

Glass beads laid on the road, mainly used for better visibility, can contribute to harmful anthropogenic waste to the marine environment, and it is a prerequisite to distinguish the chemical properties associated with it. This is the first systematic approach and evaluation of the toxic and non-toxic characteristics of the glass beads from the Indian coastal region (Goa state), which originated from the wearing of road paint over a period. Glass beads ranging from a few hundred to ~ 1000 µm were found on various beaches far from the roadside throughout the coastal state. Examination of these glass beads revealed the possible contribution of toxic elements such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, chromium, and barium beyond the global regulatory limit. Mercury and other analyzed elements are within acceptable limits. However, a quantitative assessment of their environmental impact indicates that glass beads can impact the marine ecosystem and increase the background level of environmental pollutants.