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Occurrence of microplastics in freshwater gastropods from a tropical river U-Taphao, southern Thailand
Summary
This study found microplastics in freshwater gastropod snails from a tropical river in southern Thailand, with concentrations ranging from about 4 to 7 particles per individual depending on species and collection site, confirming microplastic ingestion in freshwater invertebrates in Southeast Asia.
The MPs found were as follows: 4.76 particles/individual were found in F. sumatrensis speciosa upstream, 5.20 particles/individual were found in F. sumatrensis speciosa downstream, 7.28 particles/individual were found in P. canaliculata upstream, and 4.00 particles/individual were found in P. canaliculata downstream. It was found in the two-way ANOVA that the accumulation of MPs in gastropods was affected by species and study sites (upstream and downstream). There was a significant difference in the amount of MPs in P. canaliculata between upstream and downstream sites (p = 0.003). Fibers were the most common MPs in both species. Moreover, P. canaliculata upstream had the most significant amount of MPs. The smallest amount of MPs was recorded for P. canaliculata downstream, but there was great diversity in shape, size, and polymer type. MPs sized 500 μm-1 mm were the most common in both species. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed six polymers: poly (ethylene terephthalate), polypropylene, rayon, polyethyleneimine, polyamine, and poly (propylene: ethylene). The occurrence of MPs in gastropods is alarming for food security in Thailand. The results of this study can be used to support baseline data on MP accumulation among freshwater gastropods.