In the bustling Gulf of Thailand, a team of researchers led by Makamas Sutthacheep from the Marine Biodiversity Research Group at Ramkhamhaeng University in Bangkok has been diving deep into the murky world of microplastics. Their work, recently published in the journal ‘Frontiers in Marine Science’ (which translates to ‘Frontiers in Marine Science’ in English), sheds light on the extent of microplastic pollution in coral reef ecosystems, and the findings are as varied as they are concerning.
Sutthacheep and his team set out to investigate the occurrence, abundance, and characteristics of microplastics in coral, seawater, and sediment samples from two reef sites: Ko Khang Khao and Ko Ngam Yai. What they found was a mixed bag, with microplastic concentrations varying significantly between the two sites and among different coral species.
At Ko Khang Khao, the team found higher concentrations of microplastics across the board. “Ko Khang Khao exhibited higher MP concentrations across coral species,” Sutthacheep noted, with Pavona decussata, Pocillopora acuta, and Galaxea fascicularis showing the greatest accumulation. The researchers also observed statistically significant inter-site differences in microplastic abundance in four coral species, indicating that the pollution is not evenly distributed.
The team found that microplastics were most commonly found on the surface of the corals, with the skeleton and tissue following behind. The size of the microplastics varied depending on where they were found in the coral, with larger particles often lodged in the skeleton and smaller ones in the tissue.
In terms of shape, fiber-shaped microplastics were the most common, regardless of the site or compartment. As for the type of plastic, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene (PE) were the most common, but notable amounts of polypropylene (PP), nylon, and polystyrene (PS) were also identified. This diversity in polymer types suggests that the microplastics are coming from a variety of sources.
The color of the microplastics also varied, with blue being the most abundant, followed by black, white/yellow, red, and green. Interestingly, green microplastics were notably absent at Ko Ngam Yai.
The team also analyzed seawater and sediment samples. In seawater, microplastic concentrations ranged from 0.88 to 1.61 particles per cubic meter, with higher levels at Ko Khang Khao. In sediment samples, microplastic abundances ranged from 164.80 to 295.20 particles per kilogram, with Ko Khang Khao having a greater prevalence of smaller particles and more diverse polymer types.
So, what does this all mean for the maritime industry? Well, for one, it highlights the need for localized management strategies to mitigate microplastic inputs in nearshore marine environments. This could open up opportunities for companies specializing in waste management and pollution control to develop and implement targeted solutions.
Moreover, the findings underscore the importance of monitoring and understanding microplastic pollution in coral reef ecosystems, which are vital for marine biodiversity and coastal protection. This could create opportunities for research institutions and technology companies to collaborate on developing innovative monitoring tools and techniques.
In the end, the work of Sutthacheep and his team serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of microplastic pollution and the urgent need for action. As the maritime industry continues to evolve, it will be crucial for stakeholders to consider the environmental impacts of their operations and work towards sustainable solutions. After all, the health of our oceans is not just an environmental issue, but an economic one as well.