Assessing Exposure to Microplastics from Snail Consumption among People Living in the Area Surrounding Tongwat Creek, Warin Chamrap District, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

This research is a cross-sectional descriptive study designed to study the amount of microplastic accumulation in snails in the Tongwat Creek. and to assess exposure to microplastics from snail consumption in the Tong Wat Creek area among people living in the area surrounding Tong Wat Creek. Warin Chamrap District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. Data were collected between June and August 2023 by analyzing 30 samples of microplastics accumulated in snails and interviewing 294 people who lived in the area around Tongwat Creek on snail consumption. The results of the study found that the accumulation of microplastics in snails in all three areas was found to be the accumulation of microplastics in a total of 257 pieces (8.56 ± 26.35 pieces/snail). Accumulation was found in 92 pieces of F. martensi (6.20 ± 2.59 pieces/snail). There were 164 pieces of microplastics accumulated in P. canaliculata (10.93 ± 8.05 pieces/snail). Exposure to microplastics from snail consumption. It was found that people living in the area surrounding Tongwat Creek had a chance of being exposed to microplastics from consuming F. martensi 14.26 pieces/person/day, or 5,204.90 pieces/person/year, and from consuming P. canaliculata 33.95 pieces/person /day, or 12,391.75 pieces/person/year.

Therefore, local administrative organizations in the area should find ways to reduce microplastic contamination in Tongwat Creek, including measures to manage wastewater from dormitories. Establishments and communities around Tongwat Creek. Agencies that oversee public health in the area should educate people on reducing the amount of microplastics in snails before consuming them.