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Identification, Abundance, and Chemical Characterization of Macro-, Meso-, and Microplastics in the Intertidal Zone Sediments of Two Selected Beaches in Sabah, Malaysia
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Researchers identified and characterized macro-, meso-, and microplastics in intertidal sediments of two beaches in Sabah, Malaysia, finding significant plastic contamination with heavy metal associations that pose potential ecological risks to coastal environments.
This study aims to present the identification, abundance, and chemical characterization of plastics in the intertidal zone sediment of two selected beaches in Kota Kinabalu city, Sabah, Malaysia. Plastic debris was classified according to weight and size and was identified for its heavy metal concentrations and polymer types. Results showed that a higher abundance, by more than 2-fold, of plastic debris was found in Kebagu beach (28.7 g) compared to ODEC, UMS (13.4 g). FTIR analysis showed that polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) were the dominant plastic polymers on both beaches, followed by polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Five heavy metals (arsenic, chromium, copper, zinc, and nickel) were detected from four types of plastics. The results showed that the concentration of Zn was higher in all four types of plastics on both beaches, with a range of 41 mg/kg–135.3 mg/kg, followed by Cr and As, while Ni was the lowest concentration detected in PE on both beaches: 5.6 mg/kg (ODEC) and 5.1 mg/kg (Kebagu stations). This study confirmed the presence of macro-, meso- and microplastics in both stations. Further studies remain necessary for a better understanding of the sources and fates of the pollutant in the marine environment. Findings from the studies of the Kota Kinabalu beaches have provided baseline data and a clearer understanding of the distribution of plastic debris. This demonstrates that commitments and actions are required to mitigate the potential risk to the ecological system and human health.
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Abundance And Distribution Of Plastic Debris In Beach Sediment And Seawater Of The Northern Straits Of Malacca
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Researchers surveyed the abundance and distribution of macro-, meso-, and microplastic debris in beach sediments and seawater along the Northern Straits of Malacca in Malaysia, providing baseline contamination data relevant to the country's national roadmap toward reducing single-use plastics.
Abundance, Distribution, and Characterization of Microplastics on Two Recreational Beaches in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
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Researchers surveyed two popular beaches in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, and found alarmingly high levels of microplastics in the sediment — up to 857 particles per kilogram — with polypropylene and polyethylene being the dominant types and metals including arsenic and chromium detected within the plastic particles. This is significant for public health because beachgoers have direct skin contact with and may incidentally ingest sediment, and the co-occurrence of heavy metals on microplastics compounds the risk.
Marine Macro- and Micro Plastic Litter on Beach Sediment of Northern Peninsular Malaysia
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A survey of beaches on Malaysia's northern Peninsular coast found abundant macro- and microplastic litter in sediments, with a correlation between the amount of macroplastic debris and microplastic concentration in the same area. The findings suggest that reducing visible plastic litter on beaches would also reduce the microplastic load accumulating in coastal sediments, where it can persist and affect marine organisms for decades.
Spatial Distribution of Microplastics Abundance Along Selected Beaches in Kelantan, Malaysia
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Researchers surveyed ten beaches along the Kelantan coast in Malaysia and found over 1,600 microplastic particles, averaging about 5.4 pieces per gram of sediment, with fragments being the most common type. PVC, polypropylene, and polystyrene were the dominant polymer types, and intertidal zones were the most heavily contaminated areas. The study provides important baseline data on microplastic pollution patterns along these Malaysian coastlines, which can help guide future cleanup and prevention efforts.
Baseline assessment of microplastics pollution in beach sediments along tropical coastline (Kuala Langat, Malaysia)
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Researchers conducted baseline assessments of microplastic pollution in beach sediments along tropical coastlines, documenting particle abundance, morphology, and polymer composition at sites with varying levels of human activity to establish reference conditions.
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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.