Microplastic and microbead contaminations entering Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong SAR

M.Phil.Marine microplastic pollution is a global phenomenon, without exception Hong Kong coastal waters are also found to have similar problems with significant amounts of microplastic in surface waters and sediments. To identify the sources of microplastics entering Victoria Harbour, seasonal surveys of microplastic pollution in effluents discharged from chemical enhanced primary sewage treatment works (STWs) at Stonecutters Island STW and secondary sewage treatment works at Sha Tin STW, and two storm water seawall outfalls (SWOs) (Kwun Tong Pier, Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter) with discharges entering the Victoria Harbour were conducted between December 2016 and September 2017. The average concentrations of microplastics present in effluents from STWs and SWOs ranged from 59,028 to 1,081,597 particles per 100 m3 which is considered as moderate level of pollution emission. The highest concentration of microplastics (diameter: