Spatial distribution and deposition of microplastics in mangrove sediment and crabs from Tung Prong Thong (Golden Meadow), Rayong Province | |
| Author | Akter, Mst. Shamima |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no.MPA-22-13 |
| Subject(s) | Microplastics--Environmental aspects--Thailand--Rayong Plastics--Environmental aspects--Thailand--Rayong |
| Note | A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Marine Plastics Abatement |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Plastics, the wonder material that combines exceptional functional properties such as light weight, durability, and low cost, has become an increasing environmental issue. Mangroves are important ecosystems that serve as a "natural filter" for pollutants from both sources on land and sea. The aim of this present study was to investigate the spatial and depth distribution of microplastics in sediment cores and crabs collected from the mangrove habitats of Tung Prong Thong (Golden Meadow), Rayong province in Thailand. Mangrove sediment cores (top 30 cm) from 5 sampling points were collected (GM1, GM2, GM3, GM4, GM5) using core sampler on 09 May 2022, at low tide in the study mangrove areas. The 5 sediment core samples contained a total of 1125 microplastics particles, with sizes ranging from 0.1-5mm. The concentration of accumulated microplastics ranged from 148 to 637 items/kg dry weight (d.w.) with an average of 225±136.25 microplastics particles. Microplastics were present in all sediment cores, especially higher abundance of was observed in GM5 (637 items/kg d. w.) and lowest in GM3 (148 items/kg d. w.) sampling points, respectively. Sampling points away from the shoreline observed higher abundance of microplastics compared to other points. MPs were found in the sediment samples at each layer (5 cm). Study results showed a higher abundance of microplastics observed at surface and a decreasing trend observed below 15 cm depth. The vertical profiles of microplastics at sampling points showed slide variations among different depths but did not show any statistical correlation (p < 0.05). The size ranges of 0.1- 0.3 mm include about 59% microplastics and 41% microplastics within 0.3- 5 mm size ranges. Shapes of microplastics in sediment core samples included 37% fiber, 34% fragment, 16% film, 12% foam and 0.36% pellet respectively. The sediment core samples of the study area contained seven various colors of MPs, with white (48%) being the most prevalent color followed by transparent (17%), black (14%), blue (11%), red (7%), green (2%) and yellow (0.2%). A total of 47 microplastics (within 0.01-5 mm size ranges) were found in examined Metaplax elegans mud crab species (n=25) with an average abundance in the 1.88±0.9 microplastics per individual. Among the identified microplastics, fibers shape (90%) and black color (40%) were the most abundant. Crab burrows on the forest floor in mangrove forests can transfer microplastics in surface sediment to deeper levels, causing microplastics buildup in the mangrove ecosystems. The information gathered throughout this synthesis is expected to contribute to the strong emerging evidence of the anthropogenic-caused microplastics pollution in Thailand's mangrove environments |
| Year | 2022 |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Marine Plastic Abatement (MPA) |
| Chairperson(s) | Guerrero Cruz, Simon |
| Examination Committee(s) | Thammarat Koottatep;Tatchai Pussayanavin |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Government of Japan |
| Degree | Research studies project report (M.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2022 |