Microplastics Ingestion by Scaph.arca cornea at Setiu Wetland, Terengganu, Malaysia
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Date
2016
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Middle-East Journal of Scientific Research
Abstract
Filter feeding bivalves are among the keystone species in marine environment that maintains or
improves water quality and nutrients cycling between the water column and bottom dwelling organsims.
Ingestion of microplastics by these organisms provides a possible step for the transfer of pollutants and
plastics additives. Ingestion of microplastics in Scapharca cornea were determined and quantified at its natural
habitat in Setiu Wetland, Terengganu, Malaysia. A total of 120 wild S. cornea bivalves were handpicked from
three stations. Microplastics were extracted by alkali digestion ( 10 M of NaOH) and then identified visually
according to their physical characteristics: shape, colour size and density. Most of the microplastics partic les
present were filaments. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis of the microplastics showed the
presence of strong peaks associated with polyethylene and polyamide.
Description
Keywords
Alyza Azzura Azmi, Shaakirah Abdul Shukor, Sabiqah Tuan Anuar, Siti Aishah Abdullah, Bivalves, Filter Feeder, Microplastic Pollutants