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Influence of monsoon seasonality and tidal cycle on microplastics presence and distribution in the Upper Gulf of Thailand
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Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution around Si Chang Island in the Gulf of Thailand across different monsoon seasons and found that seasonal weather patterns strongly influence microplastic abundance and distribution. Evidence suggests that UV exposure during dry seasons fragments plastic waste on land, which is then washed into the ocean by heavy rains during the wet season. The findings highlight how tropical climate cycles drive microplastic contamination in Southeast Asian coral reef areas.
Southeast Asian countries are recognized as significant contributors to the discharge of abundant plastic waste into the ocean. In this study, we conducted neuston net surveys on Si Chang Island of the Gulf of Thailand, a coral reef conservation area, to determine the presence of microplastic (MP) pollution. The survey, conducted during the wet (southwesterly monsoon), transition, and dry seasons (northeasterly monsoon), revealed that the MP abundance was in the range of 0.02-42.46 particles m-3. The precipitation, wind, and current direction induced by monsoons influenced the abundance and distribution of MP, presenting a significant seasonality. The cluster analysis for colors and polymer types of MPs suggested that the origin of plastic particles is diverse. Based on our results, a proposal for the generation, sources, and pathways for MPs in the Gulf of Thailand is presented: 1) plastic wastes exposed to strong UV light during the dry season get fragmented around the river, and 2) heavy rains wash away the particles during the wet season. This proposal is applicable to tropical regions, including the Gulf of Thailand. Therefore, this paper concluded that ocean currents induced by monsoons and the unique climate, resulting in the generation of MPs on land, increase MP presence and distribution in the ocean surrounding Southeast Asia countries. Furthermore, coral reef ecosystems can be particularly threatened by MPs in these areas. So, an increase in MP monitoring on coral ecosystems from Thailand and the world is highly recommended.
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Impact of seasonal variations on microplastic accumulation and characteristics in sandy beaches of Sichang Island, the inner Gulf of Thailand
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Researchers measured microplastic abundance in beach sediments on Sichang Island in the Gulf of Thailand across dry and wet seasons, finding that seasonal monsoon winds and currents strongly affected where plastics accumulated — increasing contamination on exposed windward beaches and reducing it on sheltered leeward ones. Polypropylene was the most common polymer found, and smaller microplastic particles became less abundant after the wet season, possibly dispersed further by wave action. The work highlights how local geography and seasonal weather patterns shape where microplastics concentrate along coastlines.
Seasonal microplastic variations in estuarine sediments from urban canal on the west coast of Thailand: A case study in Phuket province
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Researchers investigated seasonal variations in microplastic contamination in estuarine sediments from an urban canal in Phuket, Thailand. They found microplastic abundance was higher in the dry season than the rainy season, with rayon and polyester being the most common polymer types, suggesting that seasonal hydrological patterns and human activities both influence microplastic distribution in urban estuaries.
Influence of seasonal variations on the distribution characteristics of microplastics in the surface water of the Inner Gulf of Thailand
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Researchers sampled surface water across 70-74 sites in the Inner Gulf of Thailand in both dry and wet seasons, finding microplastic concentrations 4 times higher in the wet season (34.59 pieces/L) than the dry season (8.70 pieces/L). River discharge was identified as the key driver of microplastic input to the coastal sea, and polypropylene and polyethylene were the dominant polymers.
Monsoonal and tidal influences on plastic debris accumulation along a tropical coast
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Researchers found that plastic trash washing up on a Thai beach changes dramatically with the seasons, nearly doubling during the northeast monsoon and piling up most right at the high-tide line, mainly as fibers and broken-down fragments from common plastics like grocery bags and food containers. This matters because as this debris weathers on beaches, it breaks down into smaller microplastics that can enter the food chain (including seafood we eat) and eventually our bodies, so knowing exactly when and where plastic accumulates most can help target cleanup efforts before it fragments further.
Distribution of macro plastic debris in Muaragembong coastal bay during the east moonson and the east to west monsoon transition in 2020
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Researchers surveyed the distribution of macro plastic debris in Muaragembong coastal bay in Indonesia during and between monsoon seasons. They found that debris distribution patterns shifted with monsoon wind direction, providing insight into how seasonal weather drives plastic accumulation in coastal ecosystems.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.