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Testing the factors controlling the numbers of microplastics on beaches along the western Gulf of Thailand
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Researchers measured microplastic concentrations on beaches along the western Gulf of Thailand and applied statistical models to link abundance patterns to ocean surface currents and land-based pollution sources, finding that current direction and proximity to riverine inputs were the strongest predictors of beach MP levels.
Microplastic pollution is one of the most significant global environmental concerns. This study represents a first attempt to establish connections between the concentration of microplastics and both ocean surface circulation direction and land-based sources along the western Gulf of Thailand. Microplastics at the high-tide line from 25 beaches in 5 provinces were quantified. Observed amounts range from 20 to 273 (max. 5741) pieces/kg. Sheets were the most common shape and black the most common color of microplastics. Our study showed a significant, positive correlation between the number of microplastics and land-based sources (e.g., aquatic industries). While human activities were the dominant factor affecting microplastic concentrations, the newly designed surface circulation direction (SCD) index reflected relative changes in microplastic amounts. Our study identified several locations with substantial microplastic pollution which require a proper management system with appropriate laws and regulations, and a public awareness campaign about effects of microplastics on ecosystems.
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Microplastics on beaches along the eastern Gulf of Thailand – A preliminary study
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Researchers quantified microplastics at the high-tide line of 21 beaches along the eastern Gulf of Thailand, finding highly variable contamination levels ranging from 420 to over 200,000 particles per kilogram of sand.
Abundance And Characteristics of Microplastics Contaminating The Surface Water of The Inner Gulf of Thailand
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Researchers collected surface water samples from 25 locations in the Inner Gulf of Thailand and found widespread microplastic contamination with varying concentrations and particle types. The study adds to regional evidence that the Gulf of Thailand is significantly impacted by microplastic pollution from both marine and land-based sources.
Spatial heterogeneity distributions and seasonal variations of microplastic contaminations in surface waters and sediments and microplastic pollution level assessments of the inner Gulf of Thailand
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Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in both surface water and sediment across the inner Gulf of Thailand in dry and wet seasons, finding widespread contamination influenced by river discharge and oceanographic conditions. The study provides a baseline for monitoring microplastic pollution levels in this heavily used coastal area.
Contamination and characteristics of microplastics in recreation beach sediment of the western part of the inner Gulf of Thailand
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Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in beach sediments at a recreation site, finding plastic particles of varying shapes and colors that reflect inadequate waste management and runoff from multiple pollution sources.
Influence of seasonal variations on the distribution characteristics of microplastics in the surface water of the Inner Gulf of Thailand
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Researchers sampled surface water across 70-74 sites in the Inner Gulf of Thailand in both dry and wet seasons, finding microplastic concentrations 4 times higher in the wet season (34.59 pieces/L) than the dry season (8.70 pieces/L). River discharge was identified as the key driver of microplastic input to the coastal sea, and polypropylene and polyethylene were the dominant polymers.
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.