We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Spatio-heterogeneity risk assessment from microplastic contaminations in water and sediment of the inner gulf of Thailand
Summary
This study assessed the spatial distribution and ecological risk of microplastic contamination in water and sediment across the inner Gulf of Thailand, finding heterogeneous pollution patterns driven by urbanization, industrial activity, and riverine discharge. High-risk zones were identified near urban and industrial areas.
The inner Gulf of Thailand, a shallow semi-enclosed marine basin, plays a vital economic and ecological role for Thailand, yet faces increasing threats from microplastic (MP) pollution driven by urbanization, industrial and agriculture developments, and riverine discharges. This study aimed to assess the spatial and vertical distributions, polymer characteristics, and ecological risks associated with MP contamination in water columns and surface sediments throughout the inner Gulf. Sampling was conducted at 13 stations, with water collected from surface, mid-depth, and bottom layers, and sediment samples taken from corresponding surface sediments. MPs were analyzed for abundance, size, shape, color, and polymer composition using stereomicroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared microscopy (micro-FTIR). Results revealed revealed moderate to high MP contamination in surface waters, with concentrations ranging from 0.72 to 12.21 pieces/L, and an average of 4.98 pieces/L. Surface sediments exhibited MP abundances between 73.1 and 351.2 pieces/kg, with higher levels near estuarine zones influenced by riverine inputs. Polymer identification showed that PTFE (52.17%), PP (45.17%), and PE (7.31%) were the dominant types in both water and sediment. While polystyrene (PS), although less abundant, was associated with higher ecological risks. Fibers and small particles (16–100 µm) were the most prevalent morphologies and size fractions. Vertical profiles in the water column demonstrated MP presence at all depths, with surface dominance in nearshore stations and mid-to-bottom accumulation offshore, likely driven by biofouling, flocculation, and sediment resuspension. Contamination Factor (CF) values indicated moderate to extremely high contamination in surface waters (average CF = 49 ± 28) and moderate to considerable contamination in sediments (average CF = 2.72 ± 1.19), particularly near the Chao Phraya and Bang Pakong River mouths. Ecological risk assessments using Polymer Risk Index (PRI), and Ecological Risk Factor (Er) indicated low overall ecological risk (Er= 0.87 ± 0.83), but moderate polymer-specific risk (PRI = 95.35 ± 133.45), especially in areas with elevated PS concentrations. Correlation analyses revealed that polymer type, rather than MP abundance, was the primary driver of ecological risk. This study provides the first integrated assessment of both water column and sediment-associated MPs in the inner Gulf of Thailand, highlighting their spatial and vertical heterogeneity and ecological implications. The findings establish a scientific basis for continuous monitoring and serve as essential input for policymakers and coastal resource managers. Targeted mitigation strategies focusing on source reduction and polymer-specific pollution control are recommended to reduce future environmental impacts and safeguard the region’s marine ecosystem health.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Contamination and characterization of microplastics in different sediments of the river estuaries (the inner Gulf of Thailand)
Researchers measured microplastic contamination in river estuary sediments in the inner Gulf of Thailand, finding widespread contamination at all sites. The study characterizes the types and abundance of microplastics in a highly trafficked coastal region of Southeast Asia.
Abundance And Characteristics of Microplastics Contaminating The Surface Water of The Inner Gulf of Thailand
Researchers collected surface water samples from 25 locations in the Inner Gulf of Thailand and found widespread microplastic contamination with varying concentrations and particle types. The study adds to regional evidence that the Gulf of Thailand is significantly impacted by microplastic pollution from both marine and land-based sources.
Integration of microplastics and heavy metals in the potential ecological risk index: Spatial pollution assessment of sediments in the inner Gulf of Thailand
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.
Influence of seasonal variations on the distribution characteristics of microplastics in the surface water of the Inner Gulf of Thailand
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.
Assessment of microplastic pollution in corals, seawater, and marine sediments in the Gulf of Thailand
Researchers assessed microplastic occurrence, abundance, and characteristics in coral, seawater, and sediment samples from two reef sites in the Gulf of Thailand, detecting microplastics in all coral samples at concentrations ranging from 0.24 to 2.60 particles per gram and finding spatial variability across reef species and sites.