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Spatial distribution of microplastics abundance along selected beaches in Kelantan, Malaysia / Muhammad Zakwan Anas Abd Wahid ... [et al.]

UiTM Institutional Repositories (Universiti Teknologi MARA) 2025
Abd Wahid, Muhammad Zakwan Anas, Saufi, Anis Syuhada, Kamarulzaman, Nurul Aliah Farhana, Zainal Abidin, Muhamad Nazarwin, Osman, Mohamed Syazwan

Summary

Researchers sampled microplastics from ten beach locations across Kelantan, Malaysia using FTIR spectroscopy and geospatial analysis to characterize spatial distribution. Microplastics were widespread across all sites, with natural coastal dynamics and human activities identified as key drivers of their abundance and distribution along the Malaysian coastline.

Polymers
ABS PP PS PVC

The issue of microplastics is far from being in its infancy. This study investigates the spatial distribution of microplastics along selected beaches in Kelantan, Malaysia, addressing a critical environmental issue. It highlights the environmental and health threats posed by microplastics, especially in the coastal regions of Kelantan, and identifies the significant challenge of microplastic pollution exacerbated by natural coastal phenomena and human activities. The objective is to quantify the abundance and distribution of microplastics using advanced analytical and geospatial techniques. Methodologically, samples were collected from ten locations, each comprising 30 subsampling areas. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy was employed to identify predominant contaminants, including Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polypropylene (PP), and Polystyrene (PS). Spatial distribution was analyzed using ArcGIS 10.8.0 with Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) Interpolation to model the microplastics' distribution patterns. A total of 1,607 microplastics were found, with an average of 5.3567 pieces per gram. Fragment-type microplastics dominated, with black and blue being the most common colours identified. The findings also revealed that the intertidal zones were the most heavily impacted areas along the coast.

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