The Accumulation of Microplastics by Zooplankton in Chachoengsao and Samut Songkhram Provinces, the Gulf of Thailand
Keywords:
Estuarine ecosystem, Gulf of Thailand, Microplastics, Trophic transfer, ZooplanktonAbstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is increasingly recognized as a pervasive environmental issue with profound ecological and socioeconomic consequences. This study examines the occurrence, abundance, and physical characteristics of microplastics ingested by zooplankton in two key estuarine environments of the Gulf of Thailand: the Bang Pakong and Mae Klong Rivers. Zooplankton samples were collected across both dry and wet seasons using a Manta net and analyzed through microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Microplastics were identified in 27.4% of 420 individual zooplankton spanning eight dominant taxa. Fish larvae and Lucifer spp. exhibited the highest ingestion rates, indicating potential susceptibility due to feeding behavior or ecological niche. The mean abundance was 0.402 particles per individual, with fibers comprising the most common shape (88.2%), predominantly composed of cellulose (59.2%), polyester, and polypropylene. Blue and black fibers were the most frequently observed colors, suggesting sources such as synthetic textiles and fishing gear. While seasonal variation in microplastic abundance and size was not statistically significant, particle ingestion occurred consistently across sites and seasons, highlighting year-round contamination. Significant interspecific differences in microplastic size and abundance suggest the influence of taxa-specific feeding mechanisms and morphological traits. These findings highlight the risk posed by microplastics to lower trophic organisms and their potential for upward transfer through the food web. This study provides essential baseline data for microplastic contamination in Thailand’s estuarine zones and reinforces the urgency for enhanced monitoring, pollution mitigation strategies, and targeted policy frameworks to address marine microplastic pollution.
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