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Abstract <p>Microplastic (MP) pollution threatens coastal ecosystems, yet hydrodynamic retention mechanisms often remain poorly constrained. This study investigates the spatial distribution, polymer composition, and hydrodynamic controls on microplastic accumulation in Ao Kung Krabaen, eastern Thailand, a shallow, mangrove-fringed system receiving both marine inflow and aquaculture effluent. Fifteen sediment samples were collected across four hydro-morphologically distinct zones: the Lagoon-Sea Interface (LSI), Inner Lagoon Area (ILA), Mangrove Transitional Zone (MTZ), and Sedimentation Canal (SC). The results show that MP concentrations range from 73 to 367 particles kg⁻<sup>1</sup> dry weight (mean: 184 ± 74). Fragments (51%) and fibers (22%) dominated overall, though the LSI exhibited elevated lines (35%) and pellets (18%), suggesting aquaculture contributions. Polyethylene (PE, 35%) and polypropylene (PP, 24%) were the dominant polymers, followed by Polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 20%) and polyamide (PA, 17%). Size distribution skewed toward smaller particles (85% &lt; 1&#xa0;mm), indicating advanced fragmentation. Spatial analysis indicated that MP distribution does not follow a simple distance-decay pattern from the marine inlet (p = 0.121). Instead, ANOVA showed that sampling zone significantly predicts MP abundance (p = 0.010, R<sup>2</sup> = 0.629). The LSI showed the highest concentrations, significantly exceeding those in the SC (p = 0.008), which is consistent with hydrodynamic retention at the constricted tidal inlet. Particle settling in the ILA may deplete suspended MPs, potentially contributing to lower concentrations in the MTZ. The SC retained minimal MPs, possibly due to polymer buoyancy and mangrove filtration. These findings suggest that zonal hydrodynamics, rather than source proximity, influence MP fate in choked coastal lagoons. Management efforts should prioritize constricted inlets as potential accumulation zones.</p>

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Hydrodynamic Zoning Controls Microplastic Trapping in a Lagoon Fringed by Mangroves: A Case Study from Ao Kung Krabaen, Thailand

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月22日

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  • Kyawt Hmue Khin,
  • Sakonvan Chawchai,
  • Theerayut Phengsaart,
  • Chanakan Ketthong,
  • Raphael Bissen

摘要

Abstract

Microplastic (MP) pollution threatens coastal ecosystems, yet hydrodynamic retention mechanisms often remain poorly constrained. This study investigates the spatial distribution, polymer composition, and hydrodynamic controls on microplastic accumulation in Ao Kung Krabaen, eastern Thailand, a shallow, mangrove-fringed system receiving both marine inflow and aquaculture effluent. Fifteen sediment samples were collected across four hydro-morphologically distinct zones: the Lagoon-Sea Interface (LSI), Inner Lagoon Area (ILA), Mangrove Transitional Zone (MTZ), and Sedimentation Canal (SC). The results show that MP concentrations range from 73 to 367 particles kg⁻1 dry weight (mean: 184 ± 74). Fragments (51%) and fibers (22%) dominated overall, though the LSI exhibited elevated lines (35%) and pellets (18%), suggesting aquaculture contributions. Polyethylene (PE, 35%) and polypropylene (PP, 24%) were the dominant polymers, followed by Polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 20%) and polyamide (PA, 17%). Size distribution skewed toward smaller particles (85% < 1 mm), indicating advanced fragmentation. Spatial analysis indicated that MP distribution does not follow a simple distance-decay pattern from the marine inlet (p = 0.121). Instead, ANOVA showed that sampling zone significantly predicts MP abundance (p = 0.010, R2 = 0.629). The LSI showed the highest concentrations, significantly exceeding those in the SC (p = 0.008), which is consistent with hydrodynamic retention at the constricted tidal inlet. Particle settling in the ILA may deplete suspended MPs, potentially contributing to lower concentrations in the MTZ. The SC retained minimal MPs, possibly due to polymer buoyancy and mangrove filtration. These findings suggest that zonal hydrodynamics, rather than source proximity, influence MP fate in choked coastal lagoons. Management efforts should prioritize constricted inlets as potential accumulation zones.