Abstract

Large plastic (>5 mm) and microplastic (0.315–5 mm) debris were collected from 25 beaches along the Hong Kong coastline. More than 90% consisted of microplastics. Among the three groups of microplastic debris, expanded polystyrene (EPS) represented 92%, fragments represented 5%, and pellets represented 3%. The mean microplastic abundance for Hong Kong was 5595 items/m2. This number is higher than international averages, indicating that Hong Kong is a hotspot of marine plastic pollution. Microplastic abundance was significantly higher on the west coast than on the east coast, indicating that the Pearl River, which is west of Hong Kong, may be a potential source of plastic debris.

About the Speaker

Lincoln Fok is a physical geographer who obtained his PhD in the University of Hong Kong.  After graduation, he joined the Department of Science and Environmental Studies at the Education University of Hong Kong.  His research interest focuses upon hydrology, marine pollution and environmental education.

Acknowledgement: EdUHK FLASS Dean’s Research Fund 04256 (2016-17)