Determination of Microplastics in Sediment of Kelantan and Pattani Bay

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the presence of microplastics in sediment of Kelantan and Pattani Bay. Sediment samples were collected from Sri Tujuh Beach, Tumpat and Talo Kapo Beach, Pattani Bay in between May and July 2019. Microplastics were isolated from sediment samples using wet peroxide oxidation (WPO) followed by density separation. Microplastics were sorted visually according to their shapes and colors after being examined under photographed microscope. A total of 52 pieces of microplastics were identified and the most abundant particle found in this study was threadlike shape. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been used to identify functional groups in the composition of microplastics. This study shows that degraded of large plastic materials to microplastics due to some factors such as weathering can impact abundance of microplastics in both places, as these locations are well known for fishing activities, industrial areas and also as tourism area.