Plastic resin pellets (0.1 to 0.5 cm in diameter) are transport medium for toxic chemicals (especially persistent organic pollutants) in the marine environment. Plastic resin pellets are worldwide persistent pollutants that accumulate in ocean, especially on sandy beaches. To improve the knowledge of occurrence of plastic resin particles and their impact on coral reef area of Lakshadweep Sea, a preliminary monitoring survey was carried out around Agatti Island in November, 2014. Pellets were classified by colour and their surface analysed by stereomicroscopy. The overall spatial distribution of pellets showed that higher occurrence of pellets was observed along the southwest part of Island. Significantly higher plastic litter accumulation was found along the western part than eastern part of island. The white coloured pellets were predominant, presenting virgin surfaces, with few signs of oxidation. This is congruent with a short residence time in the marine environment and primary sources possibly located nearby. Studies are required to correlate marine microplastic resin pellets accumulations with currents and shipping lanes to determine sources of the plastic pellets, and to target clean up and prevention efforts.
