Evaluation of microplastics isolated from sea cucumber Acaudina molpadioides in Pulau Langkawi, Malaysia

Plastic pollution is an emerging environmental concern in recent years due to continuous mass production and its slow degradation. Microplastics measuring between 5 mm and 1 & mu;m are being ingested by marine animals and eventually by human consumption in form of seafood. The aim of this research was to evaluate microplastics isolated from sea cucumber Acaudina molpadioides in Pulau Langkawi. A total of 20 animals were collected and their gastrointestinal tract were digested using NaOH. Microplastics were isolated, filtered and identified through microscopic examination based on the colour, shape and size. The chemical composition of microplastics were further analyzed by FTIR to identify the functional group of polymers. A total of 1652 micro-plastics were found in A. molpadioides. Fibres (99.4%) and black color (54.4%) were the majority of microplastics observed in terms of shapes and colors. The size range within 0.5-1 & mu;m and 1-2 & mu;m were the highest abundance observed. There were two identified polymer types of micro-plastics obtained through FTIR which were polyethylene (PE) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). In conclusion, microplastics were isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of A. molpadioides indicating that the animals were contaminated. Further research can be done on the toxicity effects of these microplastics towards human upon consumption of these animals as seafood.

Automated summary

Plastic pollution has become an emerging environmental concern due to its continuous mass production and slow degradation. This research aimed to evaluate microplastics isolated from sea cucumbers in Pulau Langkawi. Microplastics were found in the gastrointestinal tract of the sea cucumbers, with fibers and black color being the most common shapes and colors. The size range of 0.5-1 & mu;m and 1-2 & mu;m had the highest abundance. The identified polymer types of the microplastics were polyethylene and polymethyl methacrylate. Further research can be conducted on the toxicity effects of these microplastics when consumed as seafood.