Urbanization Drives Microplastic Pollution in Thailand's Mun River: A Multi-Index Risk Assessment and Spatial Distribution Analysis

HistoryA comprehensive investigation assessed microplastic contamination in Thailand's lower Mun River system, a critical freshwater resource in Southeast Asia.Sampling was conducted during the dry season using the Albatross Mark 6 (AM-6) device across four distinct landuse zones: pristine natural areas, agricultural landscapes, urban developments, and the Mun-Chi River confluence.Mean microplastic concentration was quantified at 168.41±66.64particles/m³,with urban zones exhibiting significantly elevated conce ntrations compared to natural areas (mean difference: 168.33particles/m³; 95% CI: 151.11-185.55,P