Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The presence of microplastics in coastal ecosystems has raised concerns globally due to its detrimental impacts on marine life and the environment. This thesis investigates the extent of microplastic pollution in coastal ecosystems, focusing on its impacts and proposing mitigation strategies to address this pressing issue. The study is structured into five chapters, with each chapter addressing specific aspects related to microplastic pollution. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, highlighting the background of the study, the problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, and structure of the thesis. The chapter also defines key terms essential for understanding the subsequent chapters. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive literature review encompassing ten key aspects related to microplastic pollution in coastal ecosystems. This section synthesizes existing knowledge on the sources, distribution, ecological impacts, and human health implications of microplastics, as well as current mitigation strategies and policies. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology employed in this study, detailing the sampling techniques, analytical methods, data collection procedures, and data analysis techniques used to assess microplastic pollution in coastal ecosystems. This chapter also discusses the ethical considerations and limitations of the research methodology. Chapter Four delves into a detailed discussion of the findings obtained from the research, including the quantification of microplastic pollution levels, identification of prevalent microplastic types, assessment of ecological impacts on marine organisms, and evaluation of the effectiveness of potential mitigation strategies. Chapter Five concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings, discussing the implications of the research, and proposing recommendations for future studies and practical applications. The conclusion highlights the importance of addressing microplastic pollution in coastal ecosystems and emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to mitigate its impacts effectively. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on microplastic pollution in coastal ecosystems and provides valuable insights into the impacts of microplastics on marine environments. By proposing mitigation strategies, this research aims to guide policymakers, researchers, and environmental practitioners in developing sustainable solutions to combat microplastic pollution and safeguard coastal ecosystems for future generations.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "Investigation of Microplastic Pollution in Coastal Ecosystems: Impacts and Mitigation Strategies" aims to address the growing concern over the environmental impact of microplastic pollution on coastal ecosystems. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles less than 5mm in size, have become a significant threat to marine life, biodiversity, and human health. Coastal ecosystems, including beaches, estuaries, and mangrove forests, are particularly vulnerable to the accumulation of microplastics due to their proximity to human activities and marine sources. The project will begin with a comprehensive literature review to examine existing studies on microplastic pollution in coastal ecosystems, focusing on the sources, distribution, and ecological impacts of microplastics. This review will provide a foundation for understanding the current state of knowledge in the field and identify gaps that warrant further investigation. The research methodology will involve field surveys and sampling in selected coastal areas to quantify the abundance and distribution of microplastics. Various sampling techniques will be employed to collect water, sediment, and biota samples for microplastic analysis. Additionally, advanced laboratory techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) will be used to characterize the types and sizes of microplastics present in the samples. The findings of the study will be discussed in detail, highlighting the extent of microplastic pollution in coastal ecosystems and its potential impacts on marine organisms and ecosystem health. The identification of hotspots and sources of microplastic pollution will provide valuable insights for developing targeted mitigation strategies to reduce microplastic contamination in coastal environments. The project will conclude with a summary of key findings and recommendations for future research and management practices. By shedding light on the impacts of microplastic pollution in coastal ecosystems and proposing effective mitigation strategies, this research aims to contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of marine environments.