Investigation of Microplastic Pollution in Seawater and Copepods: A Case Study from Selangor Coastal Areas

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

1 Centre for Environmental Health & Safety Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Cawangan Selangor, Kampus Puncak Alam, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

2 Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21300 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu Malaysia

3 Department of Diagnostic and Allied Health Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Management and Science University, Shah Alam 40150, Selangor, Malaysia

10.22059/poll.2026.402669.3121

Abstract

Marine ecosystems face a growing environmental threat from microplastic contamination. This study examines the presence of microplastics in seawater and marine copepods along the coast of Selangor, Malaysia. Surface water samples from Bagan Nakhoda (n=24) and Bagan Lalang (n=81) both contained microplastics. Microscopic analysis of the copepod Oithona attenuata showed ingested microplastics in individuals from Bagan Lalang (n=25) and Bagan Nakhoda (n=10). Most particles were fibers, with seawater microplastics averaging 1400 to 1600 µm, and copepod-ingested measuring 130 to 150 µm. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis identified polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and cellulose acetate (CA) in both seawater and copepod samples. These findings provided important information on pollution levels and microplastic composition in coastal habitats. The dominance of fiber-shaped particles in both seawater and organisms indicates a consistent contamination pattern. The observed particle size raises ecological concerns, especially when ingested by marine organisms. Overall, the results underscore the urgent need for further research and targeted mitigation strategies to better understand and targeted mitigation strategies to better understand and address microplastic impacts in marine ecosystems.

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