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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.
Several studies have shown the ubiquitousness of microplastics across ecosystems worldwide including significant amounts in beach sand. In Thailand, however, there is a lack of studies about the microplastic pollution of beaches. This study aimed to quantify microplastics at the high-tide line of 21 beaches along the eastern Gulf of Thailand. Observed amounts ranged from 420 to >200,000 counts/kg. Anthropogenic and environmental factors affect distribution and amount of microplastics. Tide-dominated beaches and beach sections protected by beachrocks exhibit higher microplastic amounts due to lesser hydrodynamics. While human activities have a visible impact, in some cases environmental factors seem to predominate. Despite effective protection efforts led by the government and NGOs, our study shows that the substantial microplastic pollution of beach sand requires a proper management system with appropriate laws and regulations, and a public awareness campaign to reduce effects of microplastics on organisms and their ecosystems.
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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.
Type and Distribution of Microplastic Contamination in Beach Sediment Along the Coast of the Lower Gulf of Thailand
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Microplastic contamination was surveyed at five beaches along Thailand's lower Gulf Coast, with Talo Kapo showing the highest abundance and fragment-type particles being most common. The findings document baseline plastic pollution levels and polymer types across different coastal settings.
Contamination and characterization of microplastics in different sediments of the inner Gulf of Thailand
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Microplastic contamination was surveyed in surface sediments across the inner Gulf of Thailand, finding widespread pollution throughout the study area with average concentrations reported for the first time in this region. The results add to the global picture of microplastic accumulation in tropical coastal sediments.
Occurrence and distribution of microplastics in surface sediments from the Gulf of Thailand
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Researchers investigated the distribution and characteristics of microplastics in surface sediments across the Gulf of Thailand, finding an average abundance of 150.4 pieces/kg dry weight with fragment shapes dominating, and observed a correlation between sediment grain size and microplastic content. The results establish baseline contamination data for this Southeast Asian coastal region.
Microplastic pollution in surface seawater and beach sand from the shore of Rayong province, Thailand: Distribution, characterization, and ecological risk assessment
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Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in beach sand and seawater along Rayong province, Thailand, finding average concentrations of 339 particles per kilogram in sand and 1,781 particles per cubic meter in seawater, with polyethylene as the most common polymer type.
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.