2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report
Microplastic pollution impact on the Gulf of Thailand: insights from water samples assessment and ingestion by zooplankton as complementary tools
| Project/Area Number |
22K21328
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
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| Allocation Type | Multi-year Fund |
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| Review Section |
1101:Environmental analyses and evaluation, environmental conservation measure and related fields
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| Research Institution | Kyushu University |
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Principal Investigator |
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| Project Period (FY) |
2022-08-31 – 2024-03-31
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| Keywords | microplastics / plastic pollution / marine / zooplankton |
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| Outline of Final Research Achievements |
Over a span of two years, this research delved into the presence and ingestion of microplastics (MPs) by zooplankton in the Gulf of Thailand, with a specific focus on Si Chang Island. Through six sampling campaigns conducted between August 2022 and April 2023, encompassing various seasons and tidal intervals, the study aimed to standardize microplastic analysis methodologies in collaboration with international initiatives. Analysis of samples in the second year unveiled that the calanoid Centropages furcatus ingested an average of 0.41 ± 0.13 particles per individual, predominantly polypropylene (PP), Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Monomer (EPDM), and Polyethylene (PE) fragments, with an retention rate of 470.2 particles per cubic meter and available for trophic transfer in marine food webs. Findings suggested inconclusive effects of rainfall on microplastic ingestion, with higher values near coastal areas.
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| Free Research Field |
microplastics
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| Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements |
The research results deepen our understanding of microplastic pollution's impact on marine ecosystems. By examining microplastic ingestion by zooplankton and standardizing analysis methods internationally, the study provides valuable insights for assessing risks to marine life
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