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Microplastics Occurrence in Waters off the Northwest Coast of Peninsular Malaysia: A Spatial Difference
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Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in surface waters off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, using a 355-micrometer manta trawl net. The study provides baseline data on microplastic pollution in Malaysian coastal waters and highlights spatial variation across sampling locations.
Microplastics pollution has been receiving extensive attention globally with its presence felt in both remote and pristine coastal marine environments. Defined as plastics with diameters of 5mm or less and originating from primary and secondary sources, its impact is still not fully understood. Our investigation was conducted along two northern states in Peninsular Malaysia, i.e. Pulau Pinang and Kedah, to quantify microplastics occurrence in the surface waters. Seawater samples were collected from different sampling stations using a 355µm manta net. The plastics was removed from the water samples by density separation, treated with hydrogen peroxide and were identified using a stereo microscope. Microplastics occurred at all sampling stations with numbers varying from 8 to 73 particles/L. Samples were dominated by fragment and filament shapes. Sizes (2 to 3mm) and white colouration were found to be dominant. Future research is suggested to the identification of polymer type and a better understanding of its impact on marine communities.
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Microplastics analysis in Malaysian marine waters: A field study of Kuala Nerus and Kuantan
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Researchers conducted the first detection of microplastics in Malaysian marine waters at Kuala Nerus and Kuantan, identifying plastic types and concentrations in surface waters from two sites representing different levels of anthropogenic activity.
Marine Macro- And Microplastic Litter Along The Coastal Area Of Kuala Perlis
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Researchers surveyed macro- and microplastic litter along the coastal area of Kuala Perlis in northern Malaysia, finding plastic debris at all sampling sites. The study provides baseline contamination data for this understudied coastal region.
Abundance And Distribution Of Plastic Debris In Beach Sediment And Seawater Of The Northern Straits Of Malacca
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Researchers surveyed the abundance and distribution of macro-, meso-, and microplastic debris in beach sediments and seawater along the Northern Straits of Malacca in Malaysia, providing baseline contamination data relevant to the country's national roadmap toward reducing single-use plastics.
Spatial Distribution of Microplastics Abundance Along Selected Beaches in Kelantan, Malaysia
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Researchers surveyed ten beaches along the Kelantan coast in Malaysia and found over 1,600 microplastic particles, averaging about 5.4 pieces per gram of sediment, with fragments being the most common type. PVC, polypropylene, and polystyrene were the dominant polymer types, and intertidal zones were the most heavily contaminated areas. The study provides important baseline data on microplastic pollution patterns along these Malaysian coastlines, which can help guide future cleanup and prevention efforts.
Understanding the Extent of Microplastic Pollution in Penang’s River: A Baseline Study on Abundance and Distribution of Microplastic and Water Quality Parameters
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Researchers surveyed two rivers in northern Malaysia — Pinang River and Kerian River — to establish a baseline understanding of microplastic pollution in a region where such data were largely absent. They found microplastics in both rivers, with Kerian River showing higher concentrations; fragment-shaped particles dominated, and polycarbonate and nylon were identified as the main polymer types. This kind of baseline data is essential for tracking how pollution changes over time and for guiding cleanup or regulatory efforts in the region.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.