Malays. J. Anal. Sci. Volume 29 Number 3 (2025): 1421

 

Research Article

 

Microplastics contamination on seaweed surface at rocky shore habitat in Port Dickson beaches

 

Nur Sakinah Roslan1, Kodesvaran Yoharasah1, Sabiqah Tuan Anuar2, and Yusof Shuaib Ibrahim2*

 

1Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia

2Microplastic Research Interest Group, Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus, Malaysia

 

*Corresponding author:  yusofshuaib@umt.edu.my

 

Received: 27 November 2024; Revised: 6 April 2025; Accepted: 23 April 2025; Published: xx June 2025

 

This article was presented at the 1st National Seminar on Microplastics 2024, held on July 15–16, 2024. The event was organized by the National Water Research Institute of Malaysia, with Nor Salmi Abdullah serving as Guest Editor.

 

Abstract

Microplastics adhering to seaweed likely originate from the surrounding water, where they are dispersed and carried by currents. These microplastics can accumulate on the surface of seaweed over time, posing potential risks to human health through consumption. This study provides a preliminary result of microplastic presence on the surfaces of Padina jamaicensis (Scroll algae) and Caulerpa lentillifera (Seagrape) in Port Dickson beaches, in Malaysia. These species are commonly found in coastal and shallow marine environments, where microplastic pollution is often concentrated. Their distinct morphological, ecological, and physiological characteristics make them ideal for investigations into the mechanism of adherence of microplastics on the surface. The samples were collected from two locations, namely, Pantai Sri Purnama and Pantai Tanjung Biru. The samples were rinsed to collect adhered microplastics on the upper surfaces of the seaweed, and filtered with 1.2 µm glass microfibre membrane filter. Microplastics were observed under a stereomicroscope, categorized based on colour and shapes, and their polymeric composition was determined through Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Higher concentrations of microplastics were detected in C. lentillifera (4.183 items/g) as compared to P. jamaicensis (2.103 items/g). Fibre shapes of various colours were isolated from the samples. The analysis also identified compositions predominantly consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyamide (PA) within the plastic groups. The presence of these polymers may suggest contamination from secondary plastic sources, potentially originating from water activity items such as life jackets, swimming attire, and food packaging materials, which might adhere to the surface of seaweed. This study highlights how anthropogenic activities introduce microplastics into surrounding waters, enhance their accumulation on seaweed surfaces, and pose potential health risks to consumers.

 

Keywords: Malaysia, macroalgae, polymer, human, coastal environment

 

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