Distribution of microplastics in surface water from Saigon River to Can Gio Sea

Abstract

In recent years, microplastic pollution has emerged as a critical issue that has far-reaching impacts on the environment, organisms, and humans alike. As a result, there has been a growing need for in-depth studies aimed at analyzing and understanding the abundance, physical, and chemical characteristics of microplastics in different environments. This study, conducted in June 2021, sought to do that by examining the prevalence of microplastics in surface water samples from the Saigon River and Can Gio Sea, and comparing their distribution from the river to the sea. The study involved the collection of thirty surface water samples from both the Saigon River and Can Gio Sea, which were subsequently analyzed through the extraction of microplastics from the water samples and identification using infrared spectroscopy. The results of the study showed that microplastics were present in all surface water samples, with an average abundance of 0.80 ± 0.58 pieces/m3 in the Saigon River and 0.24 ± 0.45 pieces/m3 in the Can Gio Sea. These findings highlight the severity of the problem, which affects both freshwater and marine ecosystems. It is noteworthy that microplastics with sizes larger than 1 mm and fragment shape were found to dominate in both sampling areas. Additionally, the study revealed that many colors were found, with white and transparent colors accounting for over 50% of the total microplastic abundance. Comparing the results of this study with the 2020 study conducted by the same research group, it was evident that lightweight plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate continued to play an important role in microplastic pollution in this area. In light of these findings, it is clear that plastic pollution is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and action. The impact of microplastics on the environment, organisms, and human health is undeniable, and as such, there is an urgent need to develop strategies aimed at reducing their impact.