Microplastic concentrations in surface water and sediment of Mekong Delta, Southern Vietnam, October 2018

Microplastic (300-5000µm) concentrations were measured in six sites along the Tien River and its distributaries (Mekong Delta, Southern Vietnam) in October 2018: Cao Lanh site, My Tho site, Cho Lach site, Ben Tre site, Tra Vinh site and Vinh Long site. Microplastic were sampled using a 80µm mesh size net from a local boat for water sample and using a spatula on surface intertidal sediment for sediment sample. The samples were extracted in the laboratory using enzymatic digestion, NaCl density separation and were filtrated on GF-A filter. Then microplastic were observed on stereomicroscope and length, diameter, area, color were measured for fragments, line and circle. Concentrations are given in total microplastic per m3, fragment per m3 and fibers per m3.