Abundance of microplastics and its ecological risk assessment in coral reef regions of Peninsular Malaysia

Lim, Kok Ping and Sun, Chengjun and Yusoff, Sumiani and Ding, Jinfeng and Loh, Kar Hoe and Li, Jingxi and Lim, Phaik Eem (2024) Abundance of microplastics and its ecological risk assessment in coral reef regions of Peninsular Malaysia. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 209 (A). ISSN 0025-326X, DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117112.

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Abstract

Microplastic contamination is an emerging concern in marine ecosystems, with limited knowledge on its impact on coral reefs, particularly in Malaysia. Surface waters were collected from several coral reef regions in Peninsular Malaysia by towing a plankton net behind the boat. Microplastics were detected at all sites, with a mean abundance of 0.344 +/- 0.457 MP/m(3). Perhentian Islands (0.683 +/- 0.647 MP/m(3)) had significantly higher microplastic levels than Tioman Island (0.108 +/- 0.063 MP/m(3)), likely due to oceanographic differences. Over half of the microplastics (55.7 %) were small microplastics (<1 mm), with the 0.05-0.5 mm size class being most abundant (29.2 %). Fragments and fibres dominated, and black, blue, and green were the prevalent colours. Polyethylene (PE), rayon (RY), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), and polypropylene (PP) were the most common polymers. This study reveals the abundance and characteristics of microplastics, provides important data for further research on microplastics in coral reef ecosystem.

Item Type: Article
Funders: First Institute of Oceanography-University of Malaya Joint Center of Marine Science and Technology (FIO-UM JCMST) [Grant No: IF002-2020], Asian Cooperation Fund [Grant No: WJ1324009 ; WJ1024007], China Postdoctoral Science Foundation [Grant No: 2023M744125]
Uncontrolled Keywords: Microplastic; Island; Seawater; South China Sea; Malacca Strait; Ecological risk
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
Q Science > QH Natural history
Divisions: Institute of Advanced Studies
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation) Office > Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences
Depositing User: Ms. Juhaida Abd Rahim
Date Deposited: 03 Nov 2025 08:11
Last Modified: 03 Nov 2025 08:11
URI: http://eprints.um.edu.my/id/eprint/46335

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