An Introduction

The Southeast Asian region is at the center of growing concerns surrounding the use and disposal of plastics, particularly in relation to their impact on ecosystems and human health. One of the emerging and less understood issues is the transport of atmospheric microplastics, which could play a crucial role in connecting urban areas and waste disposal sites to coastal and marine environments.

This project seeks to explore the variety, traits, origins, and movement of microplastics in various coastal environments across Southeast Asia. By examining the relationship between atmospheric microplastics and surface seawater samples, we hope to gain a better understanding of how coastal environments influence, or are influenced by, airborne microplastics.

The findings from this research are expected to provide important insights into cross-country comparisons of microplastic types, levels, and sources, ultimately helping to address the issue of plastic pollution on a regional scale.

This project, funded by the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research under the Collaborative Regional Research Programme (CRRP), brings together researchers from Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan. Our mission is to tackle the sustainability and global change challenges posed by microplastic pollution in Southeast Asia's coastal environments.

The main objective is to assess the type, level, and source of microplastic pollution in air and surface seawater samples. Through this scientific evidence, the project aims to:

• Provide a foundation for environmental education.

• Assess the potential risks of microplastics to ecosystems and human health.

• Support science-based decision-making for policy and community-level action.

  
  

In addition, the project will harmonize and intercompare data across nations, ensuring a uniform approach to analyzing microplastics. The establishment of a pilot network of researchers will also enhance capacity-building and contribute to regional solutions for microplastic pollution.