- General goal:
To investigate the presence and distribution of microplastics in bivalve and sediment samples collected from a marine survey expedition by the Akademik Oparin 8.
- Specific goals:
+ To evaluate the characteristics of microplastics (quantity, shape, size, polymer type) in bivalve and sediment samples collected from a marine survey expedition by the Akademik Oparin 8 in Vietnam's South Central Coast.
+ To assess the correlation between microplastics in bivalve and sediment samples within the study area.

- Research: 
+ This study revealed that offshore waters in the South Central region of Vietnam exhibit signs of mild microplastic pollution, with an average abundance of 475 ± 329.2 MPs/kg in sediment samples and 0.45 ± 0.13 MPs/g wet tissue, or 5.60 ± 1.49 MPs/individual, in bivalve samples.
+ Fibers and fragments were the two predominant shapes of the microplastics collected.
+ The size of the microplastics tended to be inversely proportional to their abundance.
+ The primary polymer components of the microplastics were PET and PA.
+ A very strong relationship was observed between the number of MPs per gram of wet tissue in bivalves and the sediment at each location where they lived (r² = 0.996, p = 0.004).
+ The results of the risk index calculation based on the chemical composition of microplastic polymers indicate a potential risk of microplastic pollution that could impact both humans and ecosystems. More comprehensive assessments of microplastic pollution in coral reefs are needed.
+ The study also proposed solutions to control and manage marine plastic waste.
- Application:
This research has developed a dataset analyzing microplastics in bivalve and sediment samples collected during a marine survey by the Academician Oparin 8 in Vietnam's South Central Coast. This dataset includes main characteristics of microplastics, such as quantity, size, shape, and polymer composition. The findings from this research have led to the publication of one SCIE articles (Q1), one SCIE article (Q2), one SCIE article (Q3) and one article in a national journal with an ISSN code.
- Education:
The research has contributed to the training of one Master's degree in Environmental Science and one Master's degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Management.
- Cooperation:
The implementation of this research has strengthened the cooperative relationship between the Institute of Science and Technology for Energy and Environment, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and Far Eastern Branch; V.I. Il`ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Science (POI FEB RAS). Additionally, it has created opportunities for young Vietnamese scientists to interact, collaborate, and learn from researchers at the Russian Academy of Sciences, enhancing their skills and expertise both in the field and in the laboratory.

- This research is recognized as the first study on microplastic pollution in the South Central Coast, focusing on coral reefs and deep-sea sediments in Vietnam.
- The results will significantly contribute to building a dataset on environmental pollution in sediments and bivalves, specifically for the ecosystems in the study area and relevant at the national level.
- These findings will also support the development of microplastic pollution parameters for policy planning and pollutant management, particularly concerning emerging pollutants. This could aid in formulating circulars and regulations related to plastic waste and microplastics within the current environmental context.
- Additionally, the results have been instrumental in training graduate and master’s students in environmental research, particularly in the field of emerging pollutants like microplastics.

- Publications:
(1). Le, Xuan Thanh Thao, Manh Tuan Duong, Long Duc Huynh, Huyen Thu Pham, Toi Van Pham, and Manh Van Do. "Risk assessments of microplastic exposure in bivalves living in the coral reefs of Vietnam". Marine Pollution Bulletin 209 (2024), 117111. 
(2). Le, Xuan Thanh Thao, Viet M. Trinh, Duy Thanh Nguyen, and Manh Van Do. "Overall evaluation of microplastic exposure in oysters (Crassostrea gigas) in coastal areas of Vietnam". Regional Studies in Marine Science (2024): 103840.
(3). Le, Xuan Thanh Thao, Long Duc Huynh, Huyen Thu Pham, Cuong Phuoc Le, Nadezhda N. Syrbu and Manh Van Do. "Risk assessment of microplastic exposure in the marine sediment of Southern central waters of Vietnam". Oceanology (2024), Accepted.
(4). Huyền, Phạm Thu, Đặng Thị Thơm, Hoàng Anh Lê, Đỗ Hữu Tuấn, Đỗ Văn Mạnh, and Đinh Trung Hà. "Nghiên cứu các đặc trưng của vi nhựa trong trầm tích mặt vùng biển tỉnh Bình Thuận". Science of The Earth & Environment 8, no. 1 (2024): 829-838.
- Products (description...): 01 Data set analyzing microplastics in bivalve and sediment samples collected from a marine survey by the Academician Oparin 8.
- Training: Supported the training of one Master's degree in Environmental Science and one Master's degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Management.

- Future research is needed to assess pollution from microplastics, heavy metals, and organic substances in water environments, sediments, and organisms throughout Vietnam's waters.
- Continue to strengthen, expand, and deepen research cooperation between the Institute of Science and Technology for Energy and Environment, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology and Far Eastern Branch; V.I. Il`ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Science (POI FEB RAS), in the fields of energy and environment.