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Abundance And Characteristics of Microplastics Contaminating The Surface Water of The Inner Gulf of Thailand
Summary
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.
Abstract Microplastics are pollutants with uncertain behaviors; they have mysterious impacts on marine environments. In the present study, surface water samples from 25 different locations in the Inner Gulf of Thailand were collected to assess the distribution of microplastic contamination. 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.