The identification, abundance and sources of microplastics in the fluvial, littoral and marine environments of Hong Kong
微塑膠在香港的河流、沿海地區及海洋環境中的質量與來源
Principal Investigator
Dr FOK Lincoln
Area of Research Project
Social Studies
Project Period
From 01/2014 To 06/2016
Objectives
Establish a baseline for the spatial distribution for the different types of marine microplastic debris in Hong Kong and their abundance;
Identify the sources of microplastics in Hong Kong waters through a program of fieldwork;
Determine the concentration of DDT adsorbed by microplastic fragments in different environments; and
Determine the relative abundance of macro- and microplastics.
Methods Used
Systemic sampling of microplastics on the beaches, in marine zones and from selected rivers in Hong Kong
Plastics types identified by visual sorting and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
DDT analysis through gas chromatography – electron capture detector (GC-ECD)
Impact
Fills the scientific knowledge gap with regard to the extent and severity of microplastics pollution
Data serves as a baseline providing a basis for future monitoring surveys
Represents an assessment of the nature and origin of this anthropogenic pollutant and through which, appropriate management can be brought in, where necessary
Output
Results be shared in a presentation in an international academic conference
Two papers in international referred journals, such as the Marine Pollution Bulletin
