Characteristics of microplastics in Surface Sediments from the Coastal Area of Binh Thuan Province

Abstract

Today, environmental pollution, particularly microplastic pollution, is emerging as a significant environmental concern. With their small size and high durability, microplastics have a long-term impact on the environment and human health. In this study, microplastics in deep-sea sediments of Binh Thuan province were identified using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (µ-FTIR) performed on the Nicolet iN10 MX infrared microscope. The results revealed a microplastic density ranging from 740 to 1593.6 MPs/kg in dry sediments. Microplastic shapes, including fragments, fibers, and nurdles (balls), were prevalent, with fragments dominating at 65.52%. The majority of microplastic particles fell within the size range of 50 to 150 μm, constituting 44.1% of the total. Diverse polymer types of microplastics were determined, including (PET (Polyethylene Teraphalate), Vinyl ester, MUF (Melamine-urea-formaldehyde resin), EVOH EVAL film, Fluoropolymer, HDPE (High-density Polyethylene), MF (Melamine-formaldehyde cond), LDPE (Low density polyethylene), PE (Polyethylene), CP (Cellophane), Nylon, and five other types, with a 31.72% prominent prevalence of PET in the sediment samples. The findings of this research demonstrated the presence of microplastics and the diversity of their polymer types, contributing to the assessment of microplastic accumulation in sediments and the potential environmental pollution, which could impact ecosystems, organisms, and human health.