Distribution of Microplastics along Mai Khao Coastline, Phuket

The distribution of microplastics at Mai Khao beach, Phuket, Thailand was studied. A total of 12 samples from four sample sites with 0.5 m x 0.5 m quadrats were taken at the intertidal zone during March and July, 2020, and sorted into two size classes (>300 µm and 20 to 300 µm). The mean abundance of microplastics at Mai Khao beach ranged from 44.08 to 68.7 items kg-1 d.w. for >300 µm and from 90.6 to 106.1 items kg-1 d.w. for the 20 to 300 µm range. White (44.94%) and blue (23.60%) colors, and fiber shape (94.5%) were dominant in particle counts; and based on µFTIR analysis the dominant polymer type was polyethylene terephthalate (94.7% by number count), with considerable fractions of cotton and cellophane. The microplastic characteristics suggest anthropogenic activities as possible sources. Notably, the abundance of microplastic found in the study area was definitely higher than at other sites investigated along the west coast or Phuket. Significant differences in the abundances of the two microplastic size classes were observed (p < 0.05), indicating that the microplastics in Mai Khao beach can accumulate in the marine food chain and transfer up along the trophic levels. Therefore, urgent attention should be given to the contamination problem, with a proper management system and a public awareness campaign, to reduce the effects of microplastic on organisms and ecosystems

Review of the Current Situation of Cd Contamination in Agricultural Field in the Mae Sot District, Tak Province, Northwestern Thailand

This paper reviews contamination status, sources and remediation of Cd in agricultural land in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, Northwestern Thailand. The Cd contamination became an environmental issue because mining of a Zn deposit area located uphill of the Mae Tao creeks caused movement of Cd and Zn along the creek to contaminate agricultural soils downstream. Blood Cd levels of residents in this contaminated area were found to exceed the national average of 0.5 µg g-1 creatinine. The main route of Cd exposure in this area is the consumption of rice locally grown in this Cd contaminated area. Remediation of Cd-contaminated soils is therefore necessary to reduce public health risks. Remediation technologies considered include chemical remediation and phytoremediation.

Distribution of Microplastics along Mai Khao Coastline, Phuket

The distribution of microplastics at Mai Khao beach, Phuket, Thailand was studied. A total of 12 samples from four sample sites with 0.5 m x 0.5 m quadrats were taken at the intertidal zone during March and July, 2020, and sorted into two size classes (>300 µm and 20 to 300 µm). The mean abundance of microplastics at Mai Khao beach ranged from 44.08 to 68.7 items kg-1 d.w. for >300 µm and from 90.6 to 106.1 items kg-1 d.w. for the 20 to 300 µm range. White (44.94%) and blue (23.60%) colors, and fiber shape (94.5%) were dominant in particle counts; and based on µFTIR analysis the dominant polymer type was polyethylene terephthalate (94.7% by number count), with considerable fractions of cotton and cellophane. The microplastic characteristics suggest anthropogenic activities as possible sources. Notably, the abundance of microplastic found in the study area was definitely higher than at other sites investigated along the west coast or Phuket. Significant differences in the abundances of the two microplastic size classes were observed (p < 0.05), indicating that the microplastics in Mai Khao beach can accumulate in the marine food chain and transfer up along the trophic levels. Therefore, urgent attention should be given to the contamination problem, with a proper management system and a public awareness campaign, to reduce the effects of microplastic on organisms and ecosystems

Seed Germination and Growth Parameters of Zea mays L. as Influenced by Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Fly Ash (MSWIFA) and Sewage Sludge (SS) Amended Soil

Seed germination trials have relevance in measuring soil toxicity. The current study was there-fore conducted to investigate the effect of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWIFA) and sewage sludge (SS) from the Phuket municipal waste incinerator and wastewater treatment plant as fertilizer substitutes on seed germination and growth parameters of sweet corn (Zea mays L.). A field experiment was conducted at the National Corn and Sorghum Research Station, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The treatments conditions were: 1) non-amended soil, 2) 378.125 kg MSWIFA ha-1, 3) 543.75 kg SS ha-1, 4) 756.25 kg MSWIFA ha-1, 5) 1087.5 kg SS ha-1, and 6) 378.125 kg MSWIFA ha-1 + 543.75 kg SS ha-1. The results indicated that application rates of MSWIFA and SS have profound effects on plant establishment and growth characteristics. The highest germination index (22.26), vigor index (146.4), leaf number (5.65), and fresh and dry weight (5.78 and 2.35 g plant-1), respectively) were recorded from seeds treated with SS (1087.5 kg ha-1), while the highest seed germination was found in 378.125 kg MSWIFA ha-1 + 543.75 kg SS ha-1. The result suggested the alternative use of MSWIFA and SS without addition of fertilizer on agricultural soils

Spatial Distribution of Bioavailable Metal Concentrations and Total Metal Concentration-depth Relationship along the Sediment Profile within Phuket Bay

Heavy metals in coastal sediments can adversely affect human health and the environment. The distribution and metal bioavailability of Pb and Zn in 21 sediment samples collected from Phuket Bay, Phuket, Thailand using the first-two steps of sequential extraction proposed by the Standards, Measurements and Testing programme (known as BCR) was determined. The results showed that Pb formed weak complexes contributing up to 11.2% to 33% of its total concentration (1.7 to 7.5 mg kg-1) in the first fraction (BCR1), while Zn in the BCR1 fraction ranged from 4.9% to 9.9%. The results suggest that Pb could easily enter the food chain and the main cause of heavy metal contamination is related to local anthropogenic activities and effects of urbanization in the region, such as the ferry terminal, boatyards, and other maritime activities. Meanwhile, the enrichment factors of the metals showed minor to moderately severe enrichment. The metal concentration-depth relationship along the sediment profile showed metal concen-tration in each layer of the sediment core ranging from 45.4 to 88 mg Zn kg-1 and from 12.7 to 44.5 mg Pb kg-1. Based on the changes in heavy metal accumulation in the sediment core, and the calculated the enrichment factor versus depth, these allowed us to understand the historical variability in pollutant linked to past activities in Phuket Bay

Preliminary Study of Distribution and Quantity of Plastic-debris on Beaches Along the Coast at Phuket Province

The beach sediment samples from Kalim, Tri Trang, and Patong Beaches, Phuket Province, southern of Thailand were collected for preliminary investigation on coastal debris. A total of 9 samples were taken from a 1 x 1 m quadrat at the depth of 5 cm, parallel with the shore during the period of maximum low tides in November, 2018. Microplastics (particles size 2.5 cm) and mesoplastic debris (5 mm to 2.5 cm) varied from 1 item m-2 quadrat (Kalim Beach) to 38 items (Patong Beach), 9 items (Tri Trang Beach) and 68 items (Patong Beach) m-2. Blue fibers were predominant among microplastic debris found at Kalim Beach; these are likely to have originated from pieces of rope, safeguard lines and fishing materials. In contrast, microplastic debris found in Patong and Tri Trang Beaches were predominantly green in color. The results of this study provide an overview of the sources of microplastics in coastal environments, which provides a basis for developing long term plastic management plans for these highly popular beaches in Phuket Province

Preliminary Study and First Evidence of Presence of Microplastics in Green Mussel, Perna viridis from Phuket

Plastics can reach the coastal environment and could impact the marine environment. Mussels are marine organisms which are prone to be exposed to microplastics pollution. Therefore, in this preliminary study, the commercially important green mussel (Perna viridis) collected at the Koh Phee Canal in Phuket, Phuket Province, southern peninsular Thailand, was investigated. The collected mussels from aquaculture farm fell into three age groups, namely 1 year-1 month, 1 year-7 months, and 1 year-9 months. Results from the investigation showed 200 items of microplastics present in Perna viridis with 76 items (38%) in flushed water and 124 items (62%) in the soft tissue. The average counts of microplastics in soft tissue and flushed water were 4.13 items per individual and 2.53 items per individual, respectively. Blue color (98 items, 49%) and filament shape (185 items, 92.5%) were the most common color and shape of microplastics in the mussel tissues and the flushed water. The dominant polymers as microplastics were identified as polyester and polyethylene terephthalate, which are common polymer types used in protective packaging and containers. The statistical post hoc tests showed no significant differences by age group in the microplastics accumulation in the Perna viridis (p<0.05). Further studies are required to understand the accumulation rates and residence times of microplastics across the food webs for better understanding on their impacts on human health. The results from this study provide a baseline level of microplastics contamination in green mussel aquaculture located at Phuket, and urgent measures are needed to prevent contamination of food for human consumption and related health problems

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice in respect of Medical Waste Management among Healthcare Workers in Clinics

Medical waste represents a significant health risk and an environmental pollution concern due to its hazardous characteristics. The knowledge and practice of healthcare personnel in respect of the disposal of medical waste is essential to perform effective medical waste management. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to medical waste management among healthcare workers in clinics (medical and dental clinics, specialized medical, laboratory clinics, polyclinics, and midwifery clinics) in Phuket, Thailand. A cross-sectional study was designed with stratified-random sampling used to select the sample of 344 respondents from 172 clinics of which data were collected using face-to-face interviews. The results showed that the majority of respondents (87.2%) were female of whom 36.9% were aged (20–29), 52.0% had more than 5 years working experience, and 51.2% had participated in at least one training course regarding medical waste management. The overall scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were at a high level (89.5%, 91.9%, and 92.2%, respectively). Significant and positive correlations were found between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.464), knowledge and practice (r = 0.396), and practice and attitude (r = 0.519). Statistical analysis using t tests and one-way analysis of variance showed that working experience and its duration were significant factors influencing good medical waste management practice. However, local authorities should implement a well-planned collection and transfer process for medical waste in order to reduce the risk of environmental pollution and the risk of infection or injury to healthcare workers and the general public

Exploring Microplastics in Seawater and Zooplankton on the Eastern Coast of Thailand: A Case Study in Phuket Province

Microplastics can accumulate in the environment and be transferred to different trophic levels, making them a concern for the aquatic food chain. As far as the researcher is aware, this study is the first to analyze microplastics in seawater and zooplankton along the eastern coastline of Phuket, Thailand, emphasizing their ecological significance. Analysis of the seawater samples identified 256 microplastic particles, with an average concentration of 52.6±21.4 and 32.6±30.3 particles L-1 for 20–300 µm and >300 µm classes, respectively. Four zooplankton species—copepod, fish larvae, bivalvia larvae, and shrimp larvae—were chosen for examination. The findings indicated that microplastics can move to higher trophic levels, and their interaction with zooplankton resulted in 26 microplastic particles among the 120 zooplankton individuals observed. This yielded an average ingestion rate of 0.22±0.57 particles per individual zooplankton, with the highest rate observed among fish larvae. The micro-Fourier Transform Interferometer (µFT-IR) analysis verified the presence of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polyester, urea-formaldehyde (UF), and polyamide (PA). This underscores the prevalence of these polymers in daily and human-made plastic sources, emphasizing the need to implement effective measures to address micro-plastic pollution in ecologically vital areas to safeguard marine environments