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Spatial and Temporal Risk Assessment of Microplastics in Surface Water: A Case Study of Mun River, Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand |
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| รหัสดีโอไอ | |
| Creator | Sunantha Laowansiri |
| Title | Spatial and Temporal Risk Assessment of Microplastics in Surface Water: A Case Study of Mun River, Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand |
| Contributor | Ratchawut Kotlakome, Rewadee Anuwattana, Sunantha Laowansiri |
| Publisher | Thai Society of Higher Education Institutes on Environment |
| Publication Year | 2569 |
| Journal Title | EnvironmentAsia |
| Journal Vol. | 19 |
| Journal No. | 1 |
| Page no. | 126-139 |
| Keyword | Microplastics, Risk assessment, Surface water, Land use, Seasonal |
| URL Website | http://www.tshe.org/ea/index.html |
| Website title | EnvironmentAsia |
| ISSN | 1906-1714 |
| Abstract | Microplastic pollution threatens freshwater ecosystems through bioaccumulation and toxic chemical transfer, yet tropical river systems remain understudied. This study presents the first comprehensive assessment of microplastic contamination in the Mun River, Thailand’s largest Mekong tributary, examining spatial- temporal patterns and associated risks. Water samples were collected from nine stations across three land use zones during three seasons (December 2023-August 2024). Microplastics were analyzed using microscopy and μ-FTIR. Risk assessment employed the Pollution Hazard Index (PHI) and Pollution Load Index (PLI) methodologies. Results showed microplastic concentrations ranged from 3.20 to 29.56 particles/m³, highest during the rainy season, indicating precipitation-driven transport. Conservation areas unexpectedly showed elevated contamination, suggesting long-range transport. Fragments dominated (>60%), primarily 0.51–1.00 mm, with nine polymer types identified, and polypropylene was the most abundant. Health risk assessment revealed alarming results: 75% of samples showed high to very high risk (PHI: 66.67–16,780.00), while ecological risks remained low (PLI: 1.16–12.41). Findings highlight urgent needs for integrated watershed management and source control, providing essential baseline data for Southeast Asian River systems. |
