Microplastics investigation on the popular seafood of Samut Songkhram, Thailand

Abstract

Microplastic contamination in seafood has become a growing concern now worldwide, particularly in regions with marine fisheries and high seafood consumption. Investigating microplastics in the seafood of Samut Songkhram, a coastal province in Thailand renowned for its seafood, can provide insights into the potential risks to human health and the environment. Short mackerel (platou), Blood cockles, Green mussels and White shrimp from market were microplastic identified under microscopic after treated with 10% KOH and filtrated with filter paper 0.45 μm. The results showed microplastic contamination in short mackerel, with a total of 137 pieces (23%). This equates to 0.075 pieces per gram in the flesh and 0.387 pieces per gram in the giblets. Additionally, 308 pieces of microplastic (47.38%) were found in blood clams, at a concentration of 1.38 pieces per gram. In white shrimp, 227 pieces (19.7%) of microplastic contamination were detected, with 0.69 pieces per gram in the head and 0.145 pieces per gram in the flesh. Finally, microplastic contamination in green mussels was found to be 102 pieces, accounting for 14.57% and 0.143 pieces per gram. Moreover, the sea water sample from Don Hoi found MPs 1.57% and 0.016 pieces/gram of average contaminate rate. The MPs exhibited various shapes including bars, circles and fibers as well as a range of colors such as black, brown, pink, white, red, orange and green. However, all types of seafood samples showed no statistically significant differences in microplastic contamination with p-value ≥0.05. The results indicate that all seafood samples were contaminated with microplastics, highlighting the need to raise awareness about potential health impacts.