Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Microplastic pollution in coastal waters has become a significant environmental concern with potential detrimental effects on marine ecosystems. This thesis presents an in-depth assessment of microplastic pollution in coastal waters and its impact on marine ecosystems. The study aims to investigate the sources, distribution, abundance, and characteristics of microplastics in selected coastal areas. Additionally, the research seeks to evaluate the ecological implications of microplastic pollution on marine organisms and ecosystems. Chapter One provides the foundation for the study, starting with the Introduction (1.1), Background of Study (1.2), Problem Statement (1.3), Objectives of Study (1.4), Limitations of Study (1.5), Scope of Study (1.6), Significance of Study (1.7), Structure of the Thesis (1.8), and Definition of Terms (1.9). Chapter Two comprises a comprehensive Literature Review covering ten key areas related to microplastic pollution in coastal waters and its impact on marine ecosystems. This section synthesizes existing research and provides a theoretical framework for the study. Chapter Three details the Research Methodology, outlining the research design, sampling techniques, data collection methods, and data analysis procedures. It includes information on sample collection, laboratory analysis, and statistical tools utilized in the study, among other aspects. Chapter Four presents an elaborate Discussion of Findings, where the results of the study are analyzed and interpreted in relation to the research objectives. This section discusses the sources of microplastics, their distribution patterns, the characteristics of microplastics identified, and the observed impacts on marine organisms and ecosystems. Finally, Chapter Five offers the Conclusion and Summary of the thesis. The conclusions drawn from the study are summarized, highlighting the key findings, implications, and recommendations for future research and environmental management strategies to mitigate microplastic pollution in coastal waters. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on microplastic pollution in coastal waters and its impact on marine ecosystems. The findings of this study provide valuable insights that can inform policies and practices aimed at protecting marine environments and safeguarding the health of marine organisms. Efforts to address microplastic pollution require collaboration among researchers, policymakers, industries, and the public to implement effective solutions for a sustainable marine ecosystem.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in Coastal Waters and its Impact on Marine Ecosystems" aims to investigate the presence and effects of microplastic pollution in coastal waters on marine ecosystems. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles less than 5mm in size, have become a significant environmental concern due to their widespread distribution and potential harm to marine life. This research seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of the sources, distribution, and impacts of microplastics in coastal waters, with a focus on understanding their effects on marine organisms and ecosystems. The research will begin with a detailed literature review to explore existing knowledge on microplastic pollution in coastal environments, including the sources of microplastics, their transport mechanisms, and the ecological consequences of exposure to marine organisms. This review will help establish a baseline understanding of the current state of research in this field and identify gaps that the study aims to address. The methodology section of the research will outline the sampling and analysis techniques to be used for the collection and identification of microplastic particles in coastal waters. Various sampling methods, such as surface trawls, sediment cores, and water column sampling, will be employed to assess the abundance and distribution of microplastics in different marine habitats. The research will also consider the characterization of microplastics based on size, shape, and polymer composition to determine their sources and potential impacts. The findings of the study will be presented and discussed in detail in the results and discussion section. This will include an analysis of the spatial and temporal distribution of microplastics in coastal waters, as well as their potential interactions with marine organisms at different trophic levels. The research will also explore the bioaccumulation and biomagnification of microplastics in marine food webs and assess the ecological implications for marine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. In the conclusion and summary section, the research will provide an overview of the key findings and their implications for marine conservation and management. Recommendations for future research directions and mitigation strategies to reduce microplastic pollution in coastal waters will also be discussed. Overall, this project aims to contribute to our understanding of the environmental impact of microplastics on marine ecosystems and support efforts to protect and preserve coastal environments for future generations.