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Abundance and Characteristics of Microplastics Contaminating the Surface Water of the Inner Gulf of Thailand
Summary
Researchers conducted the first survey of microplastic pollution in the inner Gulf of Thailand, finding an average of nearly 10 particles per liter in surface waters, dominated by polyethylene and polypropylene fibers and fragments. The moderate contamination levels detected suggest ongoing risk to marine ecosystems and the fisheries that coastal communities depend on for food.
Microplastics are pollutants with uncertain behaviors; they have mysterious impacts on marine environments. The present study is the first investigation of microplastic distribution in the surface water of the inner Gulf of Thailand. This study collected 100–200 L of surface water from 25 different sampling locations. Microplastics were visually counted and identified by Fourier-transform infrared microscopy. The results revealed that the average total abundance of microplastics (125–5000 µm) was 9.97 pieces/L (1.55 ng/L). Microplastics sized 125–300 µm were most abundant at all the sampling sites, accounting for 68% of the total microplastics. Fiber (35%) and fragment (34%) were the predominant microplastic shapes in the surface water. Polyethylene, polypropylene, and poly(ethylene propylene) accounted for the most prevalent polymer types. The present findings revealed that the inner Gulf of Thailand is moderately polluted by microplastics of different sizes, shapes, and types, which may pose a potential risk to coastal ecosystems.