Microplastics abundance in sediment of selected beaches in Kuala Langat district (Malaysia)

Ahmad Pakharuddin, Nuremilia Affarina (2023) Microplastics abundance in sediment of selected beaches in Kuala Langat district (Malaysia). [Project Paper] (Submitted)

Text 202674 NUREMILIA AFFARINA lp FPSK4 2023 39.pdf Download (2MB)

Abstract

Introduction: Sandy beach is a hotspot for the accumulation of microplastics. However, the research related to the beach environment is less than other scopes. Objective: To provide an understanding of microplastics pollution in beach sediment of selected beaches in the Kuala Langat district. Methodology: A total of five beaches, namely Tanjung Rhu, Kelanang, Morib, Batu Laut and Cunang, were collected in August 2022. Microplastics particles in these beach sediment samples were extracted using NaCl solution. Microscopic imaging was used to identify the extracted particles’ morphological properties. Results and Discussion: The most extended-size particles were found in Tanjung Rhu beach, while the shortest was in Morib Beach. Colour found in beach sediment were grey (22.08%), black (16.57%), white (14.84%), brown (11.29%), blue (10.29%), orange (7.97%), transparent (7.24%), red (5.55%), purple (2.78%) and green (1.41%) while shape were fragments (85.16%), fibre (3.96%), lines (3.41%), pellet (3.23%), film (2.59%), foam (1.05%), flakes (0.46%) and irregular (0.14%). For ANOVA test, there was no significant difference between microplastics particles with selected beaches in the Kuala Langat district, thus indicating a difference between microplastics particle size between the beaches, F (4,23) = 2.520, p = 0.069. Potential sources were plastic bottles, plastic bags, tyres, food packaging, fishing nets, tins, gunny bags, ropes, fishing nets, balls, boxes, slippers, toys, Styrofoam cups, cosmetics products, mini broom, Styrofoam wrappers and cellophaned tape holder. Conclusion: Microplastics pollution was observed in beach sediment samples along the Kuala Langat district. Further measures should be taken to mitigate plastic pollution’s adverse effects on the ecosystem. Keywords: Microplastics, Beach, Sediment, Kuala Langat, Potential Sources

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	09 May 2024 00:31
Last Modified:	09 May 2024 00:31
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1720

Actions (login required)

View Item