Publications

This study investigates the microplastic drift from the Mekong River to Southeast Asia and the most exposed coastlines. Potential factors such as wind drift, rivers, vertical mixing, and sinking rates that affect plastic drift in the region were identified using the OpenDrift model with realistic wind and ocean currents for simulations between three months (summer and winter) and 15 months. The analysis revealed that seasonal drift is influenced by the monsoon systems and that most of the plastic gets stranded in the Philippines and Indonesia. In addition, vertical mixing and sinking rates are unknowns that affect the relative importance of wind drift (near the surface) and ocean currents. The plastic distribution was found to have large uncertainties but is seasonal and influenced by wind, vertical mixing, river discharge, and sinking rates. The Philippines and Indonesia were found to have coastlines that are most exposed to plastic pollution from the Mekong River. This study also shows that simulations of marine plastic drift are very variable, depending on many factors and assumptions. However, it provides more detailed information on marine plastic pollution in Southeast Asia and can help the concerned authorities take more practical actions.