Spatial distribution of microplastic in the surface waters along the coast of Korea

We examined the spatial distribution and local characteristics of microplastics (0.33-5 mm) in surface water from six semi-enclosed bays and two coastal waters in Korea. Surveys were conducted in July from 2015 to 2017 using a Manta trawl. The mean abundance of total microplastics ranged from 1.12-4.74 particles/m³ among sites; the microplastics were mostly expanded polystyrene (EPS), paint particles, fragments and fibers. The mean microplastic abundance (2.85 particles/m³) in urban areas was about 1.5 times higher than in rural areas (1.86 particles/m³) (p < 0.05). EPS dominated at rural sites, while fragments, paint particles, and fibers were relatively more dominant in urban areas. The different types and quantities of microplastic particles indicated that the region-specific occurrence of microplastics is likely to be related to differences in human activities between urban and rural areas, even though fibers were distributed throughout the study area.