| dc.description.abstract | The negative impacts of microplastics on the environment, in recent years, have been noticed
in the world and in Vietnam. This study shows the physical characteristics, chemical composition, and
abundance of microplastics over time and according to environmental characteristics in Can Gio, Ho
Chi Minh City, Vietnam. In addition, this study also assessed the accumulated microplastic content in
two endemic species in Can Gio, namely clam (Meretrix lyrata) and mudskipper (Periophthalmodon
schlosseri). Four sampling sites along the coast with different ecological characteristics and human
activities were selected. Sediment samples were collected into 3 transects and were collected in 2
batches (late dry season and early rainy season) to evaluate the spatial and temporal distribution of
microplastics. Density separation method using 1.5g/cm3 zinc chloride (ZnCl2) solution was applied
during microplastic extraction examined by attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR). Microplastics were found in all locations with a total amount of 510 ± 320
particles/kg d.w. Microplastic sizes range from 0.01 to 5 mm. Microfibres accounted for the highest
percentage (83.85%). The colors of microplastics were also very rich including black, white, blue and
red. Polypropylene and polyethylene were the two most common polymers. Due to their properties,
microplastics could come from a variety of sources, including resin pellets, tourism, and aquaculture. | en_US |
