Comparing the abundance of microplastics in the wedge shell, Donax semigranosus from Ta Kuan and Leam Mea Phim beaches, Rayong Province

Authors

  • Dr. Wichin Suebpala
  • Thamasak Yeemin
  • Makamas Sutthacheep
  • Duangkamon Sangiamdee
  • Supphakarn Phaoduang
  • Laddawan Sangsawang
  • Ploypailin Rangseethampanya
  • Arirush Wongnutpranont

Keywords:

debris, Donax, Gulf of Thailand, microplastics, sandy beach

Abstract

Microplastics, are the most abundant plastic debris items in the marine and coastal ecosystems. Abundance of microplastics in marine environment increase due to degradation of large plastic items. Therefore, microplastics are considered emerging pollutants to be recognized as a new threat to marine ecosystems. Marine bivalves are of particular interest as they are filter-feeders and can directly ingest microplastics from the water column, in the Gulf of Thailand. The wedge shell, Donax semigranosus is an abundant macro-invertebrate found on sandy beaches. This study aimed to compare the abundance of microplastics in the wedge shell, D. semigranosus form Ta Kuan and Leam Mea Phim beaches, Rayong Province between 1999 and 2014. The shell samples were collected and preserved in 10% buffered formalin. The abundance of microplastics in the shells was examined by hydrogen peroxide and floatation- filtration with saline (NaCl) solution treatments. The highest abundance of microplastics was found 14.3±7.3 particles/individual at Ta Kuan in 2014. Moreover, the abundance of microplastics in the shells at Ta Kuan beach was much higher than Leam Mea Phim beach in both years. The highest proportion of microplastic sizes at Ta Kuan was ranged from 100 to 500 µm in 2014, while the largest proportion of microplastic sizes at Leam Mea Phim was ranged from 1001 to 2000 µm. FTIR analyses were present four types of microplastic i.e, Poly(ethylene terephthalate), Polypropylene, Rayon, Polyethylene, Poly(vinyl alcohol). Our results imply that the commercial bivalves from the Gulf of Thailand may contain microplastics. It is urgently needed to investigate microplastic pollution in various marine organisms in the Gulf of Thailand.

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Published

2021-12-31

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 2 (2018): May – August

Section

Original Articles

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