Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The presence of microplastics in marine environments has become a growing concern due to their potential adverse impacts on aquatic ecosystems and human health. This thesis presents the findings of an assessment of microplastic pollution in coastal marine environments, focusing on identifying sources, distribution patterns, and potential ecological risks associated with microplastics. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the study, including the background, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. The aim of this research is to enhance our understanding of the extent and implications of microplastic pollution in coastal marine environments. Chapter 2 comprises a comprehensive literature review that examines existing studies on microplastic pollution in marine environments. It covers topics such as sources of microplastics, distribution patterns, ecological impacts, and methodologies for microplastic detection and analysis. Chapter 3 details the research methodology employed in this study. This includes descriptions of the study area, sampling techniques, sample processing methods, and analytical approaches for quantifying and characterizing microplastics in coastal marine environments. Chapter 4 presents the discussion of findings, where the results of the microplastic assessment are analyzed and interpreted. This chapter examines the sources and distribution patterns of microplastics, identifies hotspots of contamination, and evaluates the potential ecological risks posed by microplastic pollution in coastal marine ecosystems. Chapter 5 concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings, discussing the implications of the research, and providing recommendations for future studies and management strategies to mitigate microplastic pollution in coastal marine environments. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on microplastic pollution in marine environments and highlights the importance of addressing this environmental issue to safeguard the health of coastal ecosystems and human populations.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in Coastal Marine Environments" aims to investigate the presence, distribution, and impact of microplastic pollution in coastal marine ecosystems. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, have become a pervasive environmental issue due to their widespread distribution and persistence in the environment. Coastal marine environments are particularly vulnerable to microplastic pollution due to their proximity to human activities and sources of plastic waste. The research will begin with a comprehensive literature review to explore existing knowledge on microplastic pollution in coastal marine environments. This review will cover topics such as sources of microplastics, pathways of entry into marine ecosystems, ecological impacts on marine organisms, and current monitoring and assessment methods. By synthesizing the existing literature, the study aims to identify gaps in knowledge and areas requiring further investigation. The methodology section of the research will detail the sampling and analysis techniques used to assess microplastic pollution in coastal marine environments. Sampling locations will be selected based on proximity to potential pollution sources, such as urban areas, industrial sites, and shipping routes. Water and sediment samples will be collected using standardized protocols, and microplastics will be extracted and characterized using microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. The findings of the research will be presented in the discussion chapter, highlighting the spatial distribution of microplastic pollution in coastal marine environments, the types and sizes of microplastics present, and the potential ecological impacts on marine organisms. The results will be compared to existing data to assess trends in microplastic pollution over time and identify hotspots of contamination requiring targeted mitigation efforts. In conclusion, the research will provide valuable insights into the extent and implications of microplastic pollution in coastal marine environments. By increasing awareness of this environmental issue and providing scientific evidence to support policy decisions, the study aims to contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of coastal marine ecosystems.