Horizontal variation of microplastics with tidal fluctuation in the Chao Phraya River Estuary, Thailand

Microplastic (MP) pollution in estuarine environments is poorly characterized globally, although they are extensive buffer regions between terrestrial, freshwater and seawater environments. This research aims to investigate MP pollution levels and variations of MPs abundance with tidal fluctuation. Fourteen samples were collected from the surface water of the Chao Phraya River Estuary, Thailand using the Manta net at flood and ebb tides. The average abundance of microplastics at flood tide was 5.16 x 10(5) particles/km(2) and at ebb tide was 3.11 x 10(5) particles/km(2). The abundance of microplastics in the estuary was directly related to the tidal fluctuation, creating an accumulation of microplastics in the study area. Polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene were the most common polymers. The findings provide important information on the pollution status of microplastics in the Chao Phraya River Estuary and the variation of suspended microplastics with tidal fluctuation should be considered in future estuarine microplastic studies.

Automated summary

The research investigated the levels and variations of microplastics pollution in the Chao Phraya River Estuary and found that the abundance of microplastics was directly related to tidal fluctuations, leading to accumulation in certain areas. Polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene were the most common polymers found in the estuary.