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Research Article
Nurzafirah Mazlan
Management and Science University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Corresponding Author
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The widespread presence of microplastics has caused significant concerns on their potential effects on marine ecosystems. Microplastics are classified as plastic products of less than 5 mm in size and are known to be one of the most dangerous aquatic debris to marine species. Sea cucumbers are deposit-feeders living in sediment regions that may collect microplastics in low-energy environments. This research aims to evaluate the types of microplastic isolated from the intestine of Stichopus horrens in Malaysia. Sea cucumber samples collected from Pulau Pangkor, Malaysia were dissected, and their intestines were collected for digestion. Microplastics were extracted using NaOH and filtered using filter paper. Microplastic identification was conducted on the based on the physical characteristics (colour, shape, size) and chemical characterisation was evaluated using FTIR for polymer functional groups. A total of 1446 microplastics were found in Stichopus horrens. Among various types and colors, fibre (90%) and black (59%) were dominant amongst the various particles identified. The majority of microplastics sizes were 0.51 µm and 1–2 µm. Two polymer materials were identified, namely polyethylene and poly(methyl methacrylate). As a conclusion, the findings of the study will serve as primary data for pollution indicators in respective islands.
Keywords
Microplastic, Sea cucumber, FTIR analysis, Identification, Polymer, Malaysia
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CURRENT STATUS: Under Review
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Posted 15 Mar, 2021
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Editorial decision: Major Revision
On 24 Apr, 2021
Reviews received
Received 12 Mar, 2021
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Editor invited
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A new preprint design is coming!
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This preprint is under consideration at Environmental Science and Pollution Research. A preprint is a preliminary version of a manuscript that has not completed peer review at a journal. Research Square does not conduct peer review prior to posting preprints. The posting of a preprint on this server should not be interpreted as an endorsement of its validity or suitability for dissemination as established information or for guiding clinical practice.
Learn more about In Review
Research Article
Nurzafirah Mazlan
Management and Science University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Corresponding Author
Badges
Prescreen
This manuscript passed our Prescreen assessment
Complete author information
Appropriate declaration statements
Potential risks to human health
Prescreen
Peer Review Timeline
CURRENT STATUS: Under Review
Version 1
Posted 15 Mar, 2021
No community comments so far
Editorial decision: Major Revision
On 24 Apr, 2021
Reviews received
Received 12 Mar, 2021
Reviewers invited
Invitations sent on 11 Mar, 2021
Editor invited
On 21 Feb, 2021
Editor assigned
On 10 Feb, 2021
First submitted
On 03 Feb, 2021
Metrics
Comments: 0
PDF Downloads: ...
HTML Views: ...
License:
This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License. Read Full License
The widespread presence of microplastics has caused significant concerns on their potential effects on marine ecosystems. Microplastics are classified as plastic products of less than 5 mm in size and are known to be one of the most dangerous aquatic debris to marine species. Sea cucumbers are deposit-feeders living in sediment regions that may collect microplastics in low-energy environments. This research aims to evaluate the types of microplastic isolated from the intestine of Stichopus horrens in Malaysia. Sea cucumber samples collected from Pulau Pangkor, Malaysia were dissected, and their intestines were collected for digestion. Microplastics were extracted using NaOH and filtered using filter paper. Microplastic identification was conducted on the based on the physical characteristics (colour, shape, size) and chemical characterisation was evaluated using FTIR for polymer functional groups. A total of 1446 microplastics were found in Stichopus horrens. Among various types and colors, fibre (90%) and black (59%) were dominant amongst the various particles identified. The majority of microplastics sizes were 0.51 µm and 1–2 µm. Two polymer materials were identified, namely polyethylene and poly(methyl methacrylate). As a conclusion, the findings of the study will serve as primary data for pollution indicators in respective islands.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
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