We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Occurrence, potential sources and ecological risk estimation of microplastic towards coastal and estuarine zones in Malaysia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed microplastic abundance in surface water across coastal and estuarine zones in Malaysia affected by urbanization. The study found mean concentrations ranging from 2.10 to 6.80 particles per liter, dominated by cellophane, polyester, and polyethylene polymers, though risk assessment indicated no immediate ecological threat at current levels.
Extensive global plastic production has led to microplastic (MP) pollution of marine ecosystems. This study analysed the abundance of MPs in the surface water of tropical coastal and estuarine zones in Malaysia affected by rapid urbanisation and intense human activity. It also estimated the risk posed by MPs to the marine environment. Mean MP abundance ranged from 2.10 to 6.80 particles/L. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic analysis found that the MP polymers were dominated by cellophane (54%), followed by polyester (33%) and polyethylene (2%). The risk posed by MPs was estimated with the risk quotient (RQ) method which found no potential ecological risk to both coastal and estuarine areas (RQ < 1). This study will serve as a baseline for future monitoring of MP pollution of marine water to assess the impact of heavily urbanised coastal and estuarine zones.
More Papers Like This
Occurrence, abundance, and distribution of microplastics pollution: an evidence in surface tropical water of Klang River estuary, Malaysia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic abundance, size, shape, and polymer type in surface water of the Klang River estuary in Malaysia — a highly urbanized waterway — finding concentrations among the highest reported in Southeast Asian estuaries, with industrial packaging materials and synthetic textiles as the dominant sources.
Abundance of microplastics and its ecological risk assessment in coral reef regions of Peninsular Malaysia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in surface waters around coral reef regions of Peninsular Malaysia. They detected microplastics at all sampling sites, with the Perhentian Islands showing significantly higher levels than Tioman Island, likely due to oceanographic differences. Small fragments and fibers of polyethylene and polypropylene were the most common types found, providing baseline data on microplastic pollution in these sensitive reef ecosystems.
Abundance, Composition, and Potential Ecological Risks of Microplastics in Surface Water at Different Seasons in the Pearl River Delta, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic abundance, composition, and ecological risk in surface water of the Pearl River Delta across different seasons, finding spatially uneven distribution with some sites showing far higher concentrations than others. Ecological risk scores were highest at sites near industrial zones and dense urban areas.
Microplastics in Malaysia's Aquatic Environment: Current Overview and Future Perspectives
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes microplastic research across Malaysia's rivers, coastal waters, seafood, and sediments, finding widespread contamination in all aquatic environments studied. Fibers and fragments from everyday plastic products were the most common types found. The authors highlight that Malaysians face significant microplastic exposure through seafood consumption and call for better pollution monitoring and waste management policies.
Microplastic Contamination and Ecological Risk Assessment in Tropical Riverine Surface Water of Selangor River Basin, Malaysia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed microplastic abundance and risk in the Selangor River Basin in Malaysia, collecting surface water from 25 sites and detecting 361 particles with an average density of 1.44 particles per liter. Stereomicroscopy and FTIR confirmed the presence of multiple polymer types across upstream, tributary, and downstream zones.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.