Influence of monsoon seasonality and tidal cycle on microplastics presence and distribution in the Upper Gulf of Thailand

• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170787
• Publication Date: 2024-02-12T16:34:02Z
• Authors: Haruka Nakano; María Belén Alfonso; Suppakarn Jandang; Nopphawit Phinchan; Suchana Chavanich; Voranop Viyakarn; Atsuhiko Isobe
• Keywords: Seasonality; Wet season; East Asian Monsoon

Southeast Asian countries are recognized as significant contributors to the discharge of abundant plastic waste into ocean. In this study, we conducted neuston net surveys on Si Chang Island Gulf Thailand, a coral reef conservation area, determine presence microplastic (MP) pollution. The survey, during wet (southwesterly monsoon), transition, and dry seasons (northeasterly revealed that MP abundance was in range 0.02–42.46 particles m−3. precipitation, wind, current direction induced by monsoons influenced distribution MP, presenting seasonality. cluster analysis for colors polymer types MPs suggested origin is diverse. Based our results, proposal generation, sources, pathways Thailand presented: 1) wastes exposed strong UV light season get fragmented around river, 2) heavy rains wash away season. This applicable tropical regions, including Thailand. Therefore, paper concluded ocean currents unique climate, resulting generation land, increase surrounding Asia countries. Furthermore, ecosystems can be particularly threatened these areas. So, an monitoring from world highly recommended.