Analysis of small microplastics in coastal surface water samples of the subtropical island of Okinawa, Japan

摘要: Abstract Marine plastic debris is widely recognized as a global environmental issue. Small microplastic particles, with an upper size limit of 20 μm, have been identified having the highest potential for causing damage to marine ecosystems. Having accurate methods quantifying abundance such particles in natural environment essential defining extent problem they pose. Using optical micro-Raman tweezers setup, we composition trapped aggregates collected from coastal surface waters around subtropical island Okinawa. Chemical analysis at single-particle level indicates dominance by low-density polyethylene, which accounted 75% small microplastics analysed. The smallest were (2.53 ± 0.85) μm polystyrene. Our results show occurrence plastics all test sites, concentration areas high human activities. We also observed additional Raman peaks on spectrum decreasing could be related structural modification due weathering or embedding organic matter. By identifying level, obtain some indication their dispersion ocean useful future studies impact biodiversity.