| Project/Area Number |
23K17048
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
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| Allocation Type | Multi-year Fund |
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| Review Section |
Basic Section 63040:Environmental impact assessment-related
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| Research Institution | Kyushu University |
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Principal Investigator |
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| Project Period (FY) |
2023-04-01 – 2025-03-31
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| Project Status |
Completed (Fiscal Year 2024)
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| Budget Amount *help |
¥4,680,000 (Direct Cost: ¥3,600,000、Indirect Cost: ¥1,080,000)
Fiscal Year 2024: ¥1,170,000 (Direct Cost: ¥900,000、Indirect Cost: ¥270,000)
Fiscal Year 2023: ¥3,510,000 (Direct Cost: ¥2,700,000、Indirect Cost: ¥810,000)
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| Keywords | microplastics / zooplankton / marine / copepods / gulf of thailand / microplastic / Microplastic / Plastic pollution / Zooplankton / Ingestion / Marine |
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| Outline of Research at the Start |
One way to reduce plastic pollution is by detecting main hotspots and reducing their primary sources. More studies are needed to improve our understanding of microplastics' presence and impact on marine systems. Therefore, this study aims to understand microplastic abundance and characteristics in the Chao Phraya estuary. Also, to determine the exposure of zooplankton organisms to microplastic ingestion and determine the exposition risk of their predators, including the effects of rain and tidal currents
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| Outline of Final Research Achievements |
A two-year study revealed that zooplankton from the 7 points across the upper Gulf of Thailand ingest microplastics. Working with international efforts to standardize analytical methods, a total of 486 individuals of 3 different species of copepods were analyzed for ingestion of microplastics. Average body size ranged between 1372 and 1613 micrometers. Microplastic particles were found in all samples, making these plastic particles available for trophic transfer in the marine food web. Polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate were the predominant polymers. The average size of particles was around 50 microns.
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| Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements |
My research enhances global understanding of microplastic pollution by developing standardized methods and generating comparable data. It supports policy, raises awareness, and empowers communities and researchers;especially in South East Asia;through collaboration, training, and data sharing.
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