Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
Mar Pollut Bull. 2021 Jul;168:112467. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112467. Epub 2021 May 11.
Microplastic pollution is one of the most significant global environmental concerns. This study represents a first attempt to establish connections between the concentration of microplastics and both ocean surface circulation direction and land-based sources along the western Gulf of Thailand. Microplastics at the high-tide line from 25 beaches in 5 provinces were quantified. Observed amounts range from 20 to 273 (max. 5741) pieces/kg. Sheets were the most common shape and black the most common color of microplastics. Our study showed a significant, positive correlation between the number of microplastics and land-based sources (e.g., aquatic industries). While human activities were the dominant factor affecting microplastic concentrations, the newly designed surface circulation direction (SCD) index reflected relative changes in microplastic amounts. Our study identified several locations with substantial microplastic pollution which require a proper management system with appropriate laws and regulations, and a public awareness campaign about effects of microplastics on ecosystems.
微塑料污染是全球最重要的环境问题之一。本研究首次试图建立微塑料浓度与泰国湾西部海洋表面流方向和陆源之间的联系。对来自 5 个省的 25 个海滩高潮线处的微塑料进行了定量分析。观察到的数量范围从 20 到 273（最大值 5741）个/千克。薄片是最常见的形状，黑色是最常见的微塑料颜色。我们的研究表明，微塑料的数量与陆源（如水产养殖业）之间存在显著的正相关关系。虽然人类活动是影响微塑料浓度的主要因素，但新设计的表面流方向（SCD）指数反映了微塑料数量的相对变化。我们的研究确定了几个微塑料污染严重的地点，这些地点需要建立适当的管理系统，制定相关法律法规，并开展公众宣传活动，提高公众对微塑料对生态系统影响的认识。
