Preliminary Study of Distribution and Quantity of Plastic-debris on Beaches Along the Coast at Phuket Province

Abstract

The beach sediment samples from Kalim, Tri Trang, and Patong Beaches, Phuket Province, southern of Thailand were collected for preliminary investigation on coastal debris. A total of 9 samples were taken from a 1 x 1 m quadrat at the depth of 5 cm, parallel with the shore during the period of maximum low tides in November, 2018. Microplastics (particles size < 5 mm) were extracted using sodium chloride (1.15 g mL-1) and their characteristics- including abundance (items m-2), weight (g), density (itemsm-2), color and shape- were determined using a stereo microscope. The results showed that microplastic debris varied in abundance from 1 to 35 items m-2 at the three selected beaches, depending on sampling location. In comparison, abundance of macroplastic (> 2.5 cm) and mesoplastic debris (5 mm to 2.5 cm) varied from 1 item m-2 quadrat (Kalim Beach) to 38 items (Patong Beach), 9 items (Tri Trang Beach) and 68 items (Patong Beach) m-2. Blue fibers were predominant among microplastic debris found at Kalim Beach; these are likely to have originated from pieces of rope, safeguard lines and fishing materials. In contrast, microplastic debris found in Patong and Tri Trang Beaches were predominantly green in color. The results of this study provide an overview of the sources of microplastics in coastal environments, which provides a basis for developing long term plastic management plans for these highly popular beaches in Phuket Province.

Distribution of Microplastics along Mai Khao Coastline, Phuket

“…In addition, the tidal ocean currents and winds can contribute greatly to the migration, distribution and concentration of microplastics in the ocean, with deposition affected by intertidal effects. Notably, the microplastic abundance in beach sediments found in this study area was definitely higher than at other sites investigated previously along the west coast of Phuket [5,13]. Akkajit, et al [5] found microplastic at the most popular beaches of Patong, Kalim, and Tri Trang, ranging from 22.8 to 82.2 items kg −1 d.w. for >300 μm and from 22.9 to 69.7 items kg −1 d.w. for the size range of 20 to 300 μm.…”

“…It is clean and natural, and is one of the few Phuket beaches where nesting sea turtles can be found using it as a breeding ground [12]. Recent studies have reported on the occurrence and distribution of microplastics in beach sediments in Phuket [5,13,14] but still little is known about the distribution of microplastics along the Mai Khao coastline. Much of the plastics used in the tourism industry contribute to plastic waste, especially in coastal areas.…”

Preliminary Study and First Evidence of Presence of Microplastics in Green Mussel, Perna viridis from Phuket

“…Previous studies have focused on heavy metal accumulation in the sediment and in marine bivalves (Marcia optima) species collected from the coastal area of Phuket Bay [18][19]. Most studies on microplastics contamination at Phuket have focused on the beach sediment, usually by tourist attractions [20][21]; however, there is limited literature available on microplastics contamination in marine organisms, especially in the marine bivalve Perna viridis that is an ecologically and commercially common marine bivalve species consumed by humans. In Phuket, the green mussel Perna viridis is considered one of the major aquaculture species, and it is the most consumed commercial species of bivalves in the fishery markets.…”

Microplastic contamination in a conventional wastewater treatment plant in Thailand

“…MP contamination was found in beach samples and invertebrates on the east coast of Thailand where there are recreational areas (Bissen and Chawchai, 2020; Thushari et al, 2017). Furthermore, a large amount of MPs was detected at a very popular beach in Phuket (Akkajit et al, 2019). Most MP samples are probably derived from the fragmentation of fishing equipment or wastewater effluent (Akkajit et al, 2019).…”

“…Furthermore, a large amount of MPs was detected at a very popular beach in Phuket (Akkajit et al, 2019). Most MP samples are probably derived from the fragmentation of fishing equipment or wastewater effluent (Akkajit et al, 2019).…”