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MICROPLASTICS CONTAMINATION ON SEAWEED SURFACE
AT ROCKY SHORE HABITAT IN PORT DICKSON BEACHES
Kodesvaran A/L Yoharasah
Dr. Yusof Ibrahim bin Shuaib
Bachelor in Science (Marine Science)
School of Marine and Environmental Sciences
This study prove that microplastics do adhere on the surface of seaweed at rocky
shore habitat. A total of 4 locations were sampled at selected Port Dickson beaches;
Pantai Sri Purnama and Pantai Tanjung Biru (Blue Lagoon). Padina Jamaicensis which
belongs to Rhodophyta (brown seaweed) were sampled. The sample were preserved
with 5% formalin solution before proceed with laboratory work. The sample were
rinsed using distilled water to remove all the contaminated substances on upper layer
of seaweed. The rinsed water later filtered with 50µm filter paper. The filtered paper
were observe under Olympus SZX7 Stereomicroscope for microplastics observation
and identification. A total of 748 microplastics pieces were identified with filament
shape and five distinguish colours (black, green, red, blue and transparent). The
identification of functional groups in the composition of microplastics was achieved
using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA),
Polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE) and Polyaramid, acompositions of plastics groups were
identified.
1870 | UMT UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH DAY 2018