Assessment of Microplastics in Green Mussel ( Perna viridis ) and Surrounding Environments around Sri Racha Bay, Thailand

Jitraporn Phaksopa (), Roochira Sukhsangchan (), Rangsiwut Keawsang, Kittipod Tanapivattanakul, Bojara Asvakittimakul, Thon Thamrongnawasawat and Suchai Worachananant
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Jitraporn Phaksopa: Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Roochira Sukhsangchan: Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Rangsiwut Keawsang: Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Kittipod Tanapivattanakul: Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Bojara Asvakittimakul: Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Thon Thamrongnawasawat: Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Suchai Worachananant: Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-19

Abstract: Microplastic pollution is a common problem in the coastal and marine environment, especially in the transferential process through trophic levels. This study analyzed the characteristics of microplastics in the seawater, sediments, and green mussels ( Perna viridis ) around Sri Racha Bay, Thailand, during the dry and wet season in 2020. This area is a semi-enclosed bay highly affected by extensive green mussel farms and anthropogenic activities. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of microplastics was undertaken using a stereomicroscope and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (ATR-μ-FT-IR). During the wet season (July), the average abundance of microplastics was found to be relatively higher in water (2.06 ± 1.78 particles/m 3 ) and sediment (69.35 ± 22.29 items/Kg D.W.) than those found in the dry season (April) (0.85 ± 0.25 items/m 3 in water and 48.30 ± 28.17 items/Kg D.W.). Overall, the most abundant microplastic polymers were PE, PP, and poly in water, but PE, nylon, and PP in sediments. In green mussels, microplastic counts were 0.15 ± 0.41 and 0.22 ± 0.57 items/individual in the dry and wet season, respectively, and PET, PP, and nylon were the three most abundant. Some inter-specific differences were found, but no evidence for a sampling sites or seasons was highlighted, although the tendency was higher during the wet season. The excessive riverine freshwater discharge transported terrestrial plastic debris into the estuarine system; hence, higher microplastic contamination in surface seawater and sediment was evidenced. The presence of colorants in organisms revealed an anthropogenic origin through the use of a wide array of applications. This study provides thoughtful insights for coastal area management and food-safety planning.

Keywords: FTIR; green mussel; microplastic pollution; sea floating raft culture; Gulf of Thailand (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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