Abundance and Characteristics of Microplastics Contaminating the Surface Water of the Inner Gulf of Thailand

Microplastics are pollutants with uncertain behaviors; they have mysterious impacts on marine environments. The present study is the first investigation of microplastic distribution in surface water inner Gulf Thailand. This collected 100–200 L from 25 different sampling locations. were visually counted and identified by Fourier-transform infrared microscopy. results revealed that average total abundance microplastics (125–5000 µm) was 9.97 pieces/L (1.55 ng/L). sized 125–300 µm most abundant at all sites, accounting for 68% microplastics. Fiber (35%) fragment (34%) predominant shapes water. Polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(ethylene propylene) accounted prevalent polymer types. findings Thailand moderately polluted sizes, shapes, types, which may pose a potential risk to coastal ecosystems.