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Spatiotemporal dynamics and tidal transport of microplastics in the tropical waters of the Gulf of Thailand.

Authors :
Chinfak, Narainrit
Sompongchaiyakul, Penjai
Gunasekaran, Kannan
Jitrapat, Hattaya
Wang, Xianfeng
Zhang, Jing
Charoenpong, Chawalit
Source :
Environmental Pollution; Jan2025, Vol. 365, pN.PAG-N.PAG, 1p
Publication Year :
2025

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) contamination was investigated along a freshwater-seawater continuum from Chumphon River to the Gulf of Thailand. The vertical distribution in the water column and contamination in green mussels were also studied. MPs were detected in all water samples and sediment samples. Furthermore, MPs were detected in 75% of the green mussels. A higher abundance of MPs was observed in the river system than in the coastal region, indicating that river runoff associated with inland human activities is the major sources of MPs in the coastal regions and cultured green mussels. In the water column, a polymer gradient varying with depth existed where low-density particles decreased from surface to subsurface and sediment while high-density particles exhibited the opposite pattern. Polymers in surface and subsurface water were predominantly composed of low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene particles. However, sediment samples were equally dominated by those mentioned low-density polymers and high-density polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, rayon, and cotton particles. Furthermore, fibers were the most common shape found in water, sediment, and mussel samples representing 95% of all particles in river water samples and were evenly distributed throughout the water column regardless of density. However, only shorter fiber (mostly <1 mm) was detected in green mussel samples similar to their living environment. Blue, black and white particles dominated all samples. During the tidal cycle, half of the MPs entering the Gulf of Thailand returned to the river during high tide. This backflow predominantly comprised small fibers and low-density polymer MPs. The average daily load of MPs from Chumphon River to the Gulf of Thailand was 3.33 × 10<superscript>2</superscript> million items/day. [Display omitted] • The density of MPs impacts their vertical distribution. • Small MPs (<1 mm) increased in the estuary during the rising tide. • Mussels preferentially ingested smaller MPs over larger MPs. • Polyethylene and polypropylene were the predominant polymers identified. • Daily flux of MPs from Chomphon River to the Gulf of Thailand was 3.33 × 10<superscript>2</superscript> million items/day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
02697491
Volume :
365
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Environmental Pollution
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
181514093
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2024.125385