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First evidence of microplastics in atmospheric deposition over the Gulf of Thailand: Distribution, characteristics, and ecological risk
(2026-09-15)
Chinfak, Narainrit
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Gunasekaran, Kannan
;
Jandang, Suppakarn
;
Li, Qipei
;
Sricharoenvech, Piyaporn
Microplastics (MPs) have been extensively studied in aquatic environments; however, their occurrence in atmospheric deposition remains poorly understood. This study provides the first insights into the distribution of MPs in wet deposition across different locations and evaluates their potential environmental risks in the Gulf of Thailand (GoT). The ocean is likely a sink for MPs, with approximately 10% of the total MPs in atmospheric deposition detected in oceanic rainwater. MP abundances in terrestrial rainwater, including urban and agricultural rainwater (62.70 ± 15.89 items/m2 and 29.37 ± 12.29 items/m2, respectively) were significantly higher than those in the GoT rainwater (9.72 ± 3.70 items/m2) ( p = 0.001), with greater MPs abundance observed in the urban center. MPs exhibited similar morphological (shape and color) and compositional characteristics across all locations. Fibrous MPs (100–500 μm) dominated urban (42%) and agricultural (55%) rainwater, whereas smaller fibers (<100 μm) were predominant in the GoT (69%). White and black were the dominant colors found in both terrestrial and GoT rainwater. Low-density polymers (PE, PP and PS) were the most frequently detected polymers, comprising up to 80% of the total MPs. Among them, PE was predominant, accounting for 48%, 51%, and 62% of all MPs identified in urban, agriculture and the GoT rainwater, respectively. Ecological risk assessment indicated a minor potential ecological risk associated with MPs in wet deposition. Future studies investigating both wet and dry deposition, as well as factors influencing MP distribution and transport in the GoT, are needed to support transport modeling, identify potential sources, and assess the impact of climate forcing on MP distribution.
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Spatial distribution, abundance, and characterization of emerging plastic forms in binational coastal ecosystems
(2026-04-01)
Gunasekaran, Kannan
;
Ehlers, Sonja M.
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Mghili, Bilal
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Chinfak, Narainrit
;
Charoenpong, Chawalit
The persistence of plastic waste in marine environments drives the formation of novel plastic forms through prolonged exposure to environmental conditions and interactions with organic and inorganic materials. This study is the first binational assessment of the spatial distribution, abundance, and characterization of three emerging plastic forms-plasticoncrete, plastimetal and plastisessiles on beaches in India and Thailand. A total of 29 distinct plastic forms were identified, including 11 plasticoncretes, 8 plastimetals and 10 plastisessiles. Plasticoncretes composed of widespread polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyamide (PA) fibres and a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fragment hardened in concrete. Plastimetals consisted of metal rods rusted with PE, PP and polyester (PEST) fibres. Plastisessiles are formed by PA monofilament lines, PE fishing ropes and PP fibres attached to sessile invertebrates, including oysters and mussels. The plastic forms predominantly contained fibers (93.75%), which are mainly blue in colour, ranging from 2.3 cm to 43.5 cm in length, with PE and PP as the dominant polymers. Floating tests confirmed that all the plastic forms sank, suggesting their local formation, limited mobility and reduced longevity in the water column. This study provides insights into occurrence and characteristics of these plastic forms in coastal environments, highlighting the need for extensive research and monitoring in the Indian and Thailand coastal environment to understand plastic form distribution comprehensively.
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Occurrence of microplastics in farmed and wild snails along the coasts of Thailand: Implications for consumer exposure and health risks
(2026-03-01)
Saetan, Jirawat
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Chinfak, Narainrit
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Gunasekaran, Kannan
;
Li, Qipei
;
Zhang, Jing
Microplastics (MPs) pollution has become a critical global issue due to its harmful effects on the environment and public health. This study investigates the abundance of MPs in commercial spotted babylon snails ( Babylonia areolata ) from farmed and wild populations along the coasts of Thailand, evaluates daily MP exposure for consumers, assesses potential health risks, and explores strategies to mitigate MP exposure and associated human health risks. MP occurrence ranged from 55 % to 99 % in both farmed and wild B. areolata , with an average abundance of 1.17 ± 1.02 items/individual and 2.64 ± 2.17 items/individual, respectively. Wild B. areolata exhibited significantly higher MP levels than their farmed counterparts, but MP abundance in wild snails decreased by approximately 70 % following a 72-h depuration period. The most common MPs (<1000 μm) were small black and blue fibers, primarily composed of polyethylene terephthalate and polyester. The estimated daily MP exposure for B. areolata consumers was 0.005 items/person/day with a minimal health risk after the clearance experiment. As a mitigation strategy, we recommend acclimating B. areolata in MPs-free water systems for 2–3 days to reduce MP-related health risks.
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Potential of marine litter for range expansion of the invasive mussel Mytella strigata (Hanley, 1843) along the Indian coast
(2026-01-01)
Gunasekaran, Kannan
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Mghili, Bilal
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Sompongchaiyakul, Penjai
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De-la-Torre, Gabrique Enrique
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Machendiranathan, Mayakrishnan
Marine litter is a key vector of dispersing invasive species in the marine environment. However, our knowledge of the ecological interactions between these species and litter is still incomplete. Here, we investigated the substrate preferences and physical characteristics of marine litter colonized by the invasive mussel Mytella strigata, and explored the role of litter in the population expansion of this species along the Tamil Nadu coast, India. A total of 72 fouled debris were observed along the study areas. The majority of the fouling litter was composed of plastic (87.5 %), followed by rubber (4.2 %), wood (4.2 %), glass (2.8 %) and metal (1.4 %). A total of 2637 individuals of M. strigata were recorded on the marine litter, with recruitment on plastic substrates. Particularly, M. strigata were most common on large marine litter with irregular or cylindrical shapes, rough surfaces and transparent, blue or green colours. Our work provides evidence that marine litter can play a role in the reproduction of this invasive mussel. Consequently, M. strigata benefits from the litter substrates and the habitat complexity created by anthropogenic materials along the Tamil Nadu coast, enhancing its survival and reproduction. This could promote the expansion of the M. strigata population and thus affect the composition and structure of the marine ecosystem.

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