Plastics, such as fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP), from vessels, nets, ropes and buoys that are found in marine materials are refined by various factors in the ocean. These microplastics are present in the surface, middle, deep and sedimentary layers of the ocean depending on their physical and chemical properties. In this study, the distribution characteristics of microplastics in mud flats are investigated and their sources are estimated. The highest percentage of microplastics consisted of blue paint fragments, which seemed to be paint from a ship. In addition, many fibrous microplastics were found in the surface layer of the mud flats. These results suggest that low-density fibers are partially retained on the surface of mud flats during high and low tide. The differences in the amount and types of microplastics at the survey sites are considered to be influenced by the surrounding environment, such as fishing vessels and farms.

Abstract
 I. 서 론
 II. 연구방법 및 재료
 III. 결과 및 고찰
 IV. 결 론
 References

• 이혜성(목포해양대학교 해양시스템공학과) | Hye-Sung Lee (Department of Ocean System Engineering, Mokpo National Maritime University)
• 한용원(목포해양대학교 해양시스템공학과) | Yong-Won Han (Department of Ocean System Engineering, Mokpo National Maritime University)
• 김용진(목포해양대학교 환경·생명공학과) | Yong-Jin Kim (Department of Environmental & Biotechnology Engineering, Mokpo National Maritime University) Corresponding author