A Review of Microplastics Pollution in the River Basin of Vietnam in Comparison with the World Context

Microplastics have raised serious environmental and health concerns worldwide due to their widespread presence as a common pollutant in aquatic environments. This study offers a comprehensive examination of microplastic pollution in river basins in Vietnam, drawing on global studies to assess its potential impact on water resources. The results indicate that microplastic pollution is present in significant concentrations in surface water, sediments, Aquatic organisms, and mangrove ecosystems throughout Vietnam, particularly in coastal areas such as Da Nang and Thanh Hoa, as well as in urban rivers like the Saigon River, with the highest concentration found being 519,000 pieces per cubic meter of water. Urban runoff, wastewater, and plastic waste from domestic, manufacturing, and tourism activities are important sources of emissions. High concentrations of microplastics, primarily fibers and debris such as nylon, PE, and PP, are highly persistent and bioaccumulate in Aquatic organisms, posing potential problems due to the presence of chemical additives. Comparative data from around the world also show similar environmental risks, including microplastic consumption by marine life, possible impacts on ecosystem function, biodiversity, and ultimately human health risks through the food chain. The study also highlights the importance of improving waste management, enhancing pollution monitoring, and implementing sustainable measures to mitigate microplastic pollution in various areas of Vietnam.