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Integration of microplastics and heavy metals in the potential ecological risk index: Spatial pollution assessment of sediments in the inner Gulf of Thailand
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Researchers assessed the spatial distribution of microplastics and heavy metals in surface sediments of the inner Gulf of Thailand, finding an average of nearly 1,400 microplastic pieces per kilogram with the highest concentrations near river mouths. They developed an integrated ecological risk index combining microplastic and heavy metal contamination, revealing that areas near river estuaries face moderate to considerable combined pollution risk. The study demonstrates the importance of evaluating microplastics alongside other contaminants for comprehensive environmental risk assessment.
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging coastal pollutants that finally accumulate in surface sediment. The ecological risk of MPs has been individually assessed although the other pollutants also be contaminated and may cause the risk to the ecosystem. In addition to contamination from other pollutants, the ecological risk of the considered area should include the risk factor from MPs. This study examines the spatial distribution of MPs and heavy metals (HMs) in surface sediments within the inner Gulf of Thailand and evaluates their coordinated potential ecological risk. Microplastics were identified using microscopic FTIR, with an average abundance of 1381.97 ± 2254.33 pieces/kg, peaking in the Tha Chin River. MP types included polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and various others, primarily in the 16-100 μm size range. Principal component analysis revealed distinct spatial distribution patterns for MPs based on type and size. The vertical distribution in sediment showed that MP abundance decreased with increasing depth from the surface. Heavy metal contamination showed higher concentrations in river estuaries, with As, Cr, Cu, and Zn frequently exceeding standard guidelines. Significant positive correlations were found between most MP types and HMs, suggesting synergistic contamination from anthropogenic sources. The ecological risk factor for MPs (Er = 0.33-70.22) was integrated into the potential ecological risk index (RI). The combined pollution index for MPs and HMs indicated low pollution loading (PLI = 0.25-1.68, PLI = 0.67) and low to moderate ecological risk (RI = 34.09-134.32). This study revealed the distribution of type-size-MPs and presented the first realized risk-scale approach for comprehensive risk assessment.
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