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<p>The global population growth and economic development have led to widespread plastic waste distribution. Due to their persistence, plastics are difficult to decompose and eventually break down into microplastics (MPs) through various processes. According to the size (&lt; 5&#xa0;mm), they have been extensively studied in various environments because of their long-distance movement and toxicity. However, a research on microplastic (MP) contamination in groundwater remains limited. This gap underscores the need for comprehensive MP studies to achieve environmental integration. This study aims to investigate the presence of MPs in coastal aquifers, areas highly susceptible to contamination. We collected sixty-seven groundwater samples from the Quaternary colluvial (Qcl) and granite (Gr) aquifers are porous and fractured, unconfined aquifers in the Rayong-Chonburi basin between 25 October and 2 November 2021. These samples underwent analysis for physical characteristics of MPs using a stereomicroscope and for polymer types using micro-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (μ-FTIR). Our findings reveal the ubiquitous presence of MPs across all samples, with concentrations ranging from 2.8 to 49.3 in Qcl aquifers and 0.63 to 50.87 pieces per liter (pcs/L) in Gr aquifers. Statistical analysis indicated no significant difference between the two aquifer types (p &gt; 0.05). Predominantly, MPs in both aquifers were green in color and fragmented in shape. The size (&lt; 1&#xa0;mm), and polyethylene (PE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), were mostly found and are indicative of the anthropogenic activity. The MP characteristics, and environmental conditions consisting of seawater intrusion, and precipitation play a role in the distribution of MPs in the region.The existence of MPs in groundwater highlights the urgent need for awareness regarding the accumulation of MPs in groundwater, a critical resource. Future research should focus on understanding the implications of MP contamination on human health and developing strategies to mitigate this growing environmental concern.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>

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Exploring of the Prevalence and Distribution of Microplastics Contamination in Rayong and Chonburi Coastal Aquifers, Thailand

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月25日

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  • Wanlapa Wisitthammasri,
  • Kyung Hwa Cho,
  • Srilert Chotpantarat

摘要

The global population growth and economic development have led to widespread plastic waste distribution. Due to their persistence, plastics are difficult to decompose and eventually break down into microplastics (MPs) through various processes. According to the size (< 5 mm), they have been extensively studied in various environments because of their long-distance movement and toxicity. However, a research on microplastic (MP) contamination in groundwater remains limited. This gap underscores the need for comprehensive MP studies to achieve environmental integration. This study aims to investigate the presence of MPs in coastal aquifers, areas highly susceptible to contamination. We collected sixty-seven groundwater samples from the Quaternary colluvial (Qcl) and granite (Gr) aquifers are porous and fractured, unconfined aquifers in the Rayong-Chonburi basin between 25 October and 2 November 2021. These samples underwent analysis for physical characteristics of MPs using a stereomicroscope and for polymer types using micro-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (μ-FTIR). Our findings reveal the ubiquitous presence of MPs across all samples, with concentrations ranging from 2.8 to 49.3 in Qcl aquifers and 0.63 to 50.87 pieces per liter (pcs/L) in Gr aquifers. Statistical analysis indicated no significant difference between the two aquifer types (p > 0.05). Predominantly, MPs in both aquifers were green in color and fragmented in shape. The size (< 1 mm), and polyethylene (PE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), were mostly found and are indicative of the anthropogenic activity. The MP characteristics, and environmental conditions consisting of seawater intrusion, and precipitation play a role in the distribution of MPs in the region.The existence of MPs in groundwater highlights the urgent need for awareness regarding the accumulation of MPs in groundwater, a critical resource. Future research should focus on understanding the implications of MP contamination on human health and developing strategies to mitigate this growing environmental concern.

Graphical Abstract