We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics Baseline Study in Gulf of Thailand: First Time in Thailand
Summary
This study conducted a baseline survey of microplastic concentrations in the Gulf of Thailand, representing the first systematic measurements in Thai territorial waters. Sampling covered offshore facilities, coral reef areas, and coastal sites, finding microplastics at all locations. The baseline data will support Thai government and industry efforts to monitor and manage marine microplastic pollution.
Abstract The Microplastics Baseline Study was initiated with a collaboration between PTTEP and Kasetsart University. The objective of this project is to measure microplastics level in the GoT through the use of PTTEP strength in location advantage cover PTTEP offshore facilities, Koh Losin, Koh Tao, and a coastal area in Chumphon. The baseline data was developed to support the government agencies scheme in fighting with Microplastics and identification of opportunities for further improvement. The microplastic sampling was conducted 3 times at each location and twice between 2020 – 2021 through the use of Manta net (the global standard tool) by the well trained PTTEP operators onsite. All collected Microplastic samples were sent to analyze microplastic components through the use of the cutting-edge technology such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). The result of Microplastics Baseline Study in the GoT is used as part of the Microplastics baseline data of Thailand. The study found that the average numbers of microplastics particles in water from our 3 offshore assets are between 0.33- 1.26 pieces of mini-microplastics/m3 of water or 82,137-314,009 pieces/km2, close to the level found in the Eastern North Pacific, compared to other studies from oversea, this is more than the study from the northwest Atlantic (12,000-20,000 particles/km2) but more akin to the study of the northeast pacific (90,000-278,000 particles/km2) and less than that of Pacific garbage patch (1,345,000 particles/km2). The study also showed that the portion of offshore microplastics from fibers usually found in fishery tools like nets and fishing lines is high when compared to nearshore microplastics. (48% Fishing Net/ Line). PTTEP aims to foster collaboration among academics and private sectors in safeguarding the oceans with the ultimate goal of achieving concrete marine resource conservations. The study marked Thailand's first attempt in conducting a baseline study of microplastics in the GoT and the world's first attempt to use a petroleum platform as a station to collect microplastic data.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
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.
Type and Distribution of Microplastic Contamination in Beach Sediment Along the Coast of the Lower Gulf of Thailand
Microplastic contamination was surveyed at five beaches along Thailand's lower Gulf Coast, with Talo Kapo showing the highest abundance and fragment-type particles being most common. The findings document baseline plastic pollution levels and polymer types across different coastal settings.
Microplastics in the surface seawater of Bandon Bay, Gulf of Thailand
Researchers surveyed microplastics in surface seawater of Bandon Bay, Thailand, finding the highest concentrations near fishery and aquaculture areas, with fragments as the dominant form and polyethylene and polypropylene as the most common polymer types.
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.
Occurrence and distribution of microplastics in surface sediments from the Gulf of Thailand
Researchers investigated the distribution and characteristics of microplastics in surface sediments across the Gulf of Thailand, finding an average abundance of 150.4 pieces/kg dry weight with fragment shapes dominating, and observed a correlation between sediment grain size and microplastic content. The results establish baseline contamination data for this Southeast Asian coastal region.