Author(s): Felix Gaffu Tandadjaja; Xuneng Tong; Karina Yew-Hoong Gin
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Microplastics Numerical Modelling Particle Tracking Model Coastal Environment Ecotoxicity Risk
Abstract: Microplastic (MP) is prevalent in the world’s ocean, posing significant threats to marine organisms and human health. In Singapore, studies have observed significant levels of plastics and MP in coastal waters and beaches. In this study, a spatiotemporal transport and fate model for MP was developed based on the particle tracking method. MPs were assumed to enter the ocean via rivers due to mismanaged waste in the region. The results showed that the model can predict the spatiotemporal patterns and concentrations of MPs with reasonable accuracy, achieving a Kendall tau ranking of 0.6 for spatial distribution and 0.3 for temporal distribution. Additionally, the model demonstrated some promise in predicting MP concentration with a Pearson R value of 0.595 and a mean error of less than 1%. The model was also used to evaluate various management strategies by quantifying the reduction in MP pollution in coastal waters. It was found that if waste input into the ocean from neighbouring regions is halved through improved waste management, MP pollution in Singapore's coastal waters could decrease by 20%. A deterministic ecotoxicity risk assessment was also incorporated into the model, and the results showed risk quotient values of less than one, indicating that microplastics currently pose no significant risk to marine ecosystems. The model contributes to a more holistic understanding of MP distribution in Singapore coastal waters, offering valuable insights for future policy making and decision support.
Year: 2025