Study finds microplastics in 64% of coral samples around Pulau Redang

 UMT researchers say microplastic pollution is highest near tourism hotspots and coastal development.

Study researcher Sabiqah Tuan Anuar said researchers found more marine litter and plastic trapped in coral reefs at Long Beach than at the other sampling sites. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Nearly two-thirds of the coral samples collected in a study by Universiti Malaysia Terengganu from the waters surrounding Pulau Redang contained microplastics, with the highest level of contamination recorded at Long Beach.

According to Utusan Malaysia, the study, published in the Regional Studies in Marine Science journal, found 285 microplastic particles in 200 coral samples, with 64% of the samples contaminated.

Long Beach recorded 1.31 microplastic particles per gramme of coral while lower levels were recorded at Pasir Akar (0.85), Kerengga Besar (0.72), Chagar Hutang (0.54) and Mak Simpan (0.47).

Study researcher Sabiqah Tuan Anuar said microplastic pollution was highest near resorts, diving centres, water sports facilities and tourist boat routes.

She also said researchers found more plastic litter trapped in coral reefs at Long Beach than at the other sampling sites.

The study found that polyethylene terephthalate or PET, commonly used in beverage bottles and food packaging, was the most common type of microplastic detected.

Black and transparent plastic fibres, believed to originate from tourism activities, fishing equipment and single-use plastic waste, were the most common forms detected.

Sabiqah said microplastics posed a long-lasting threat as they break down into even smaller pieces, interact with other materials and pollutants in the water, and endanger marine life. - FMT