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Microplastic distribution and contamination in sediment, water, and benthos from mangrove to coastal areas, Hainan Island, China
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A study of mangrove areas and adjacent open water in Hainan Island, China found higher microplastic concentrations in mangrove zones across sediment, water, and benthic organisms, with polychaetes and bivalves facing elevated ecological risk. Mangroves act as microplastic traps, meaning shellfish and bottom-dwelling creatures in these ecosystems face heightened exposure, with potential implications for seafood safety.
The contamination and accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in mangrove ecosystems have become an increasing concern due to their potential ecological risks. This study investigated and analyzed the abundance of MPs in sediments, water, and benthos of mangrove areas (MA) and adjacent non-vegetated areas (NA) in Qinglan Bay. Results showed that the abundance of MPs in MA was significantly higher than in adjacent NA [sediment: (4.39 ± 2.20) items/50 g dry weight (dw) vs. (4.10 ± 2.71) items/50 g dw; water: (11.79 ± 7.61) items/L vs. (10.61 ± 5.93) items/L; benthos: (4.94 ± 5.27) items/individual vs. (3.5 ± 0.71) items/individual]. The primary components identified in sediments and benthos were rayon and cellulose, while polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) dominated in water. Smaller MPs (<1 000 µm) accounted for 44%, 43%, and 61% of the MPs in sediments, water, and benthos, respectively, indicating that smaller MPs are more likely to be ingested or captured by benthic organisms. Additionally, MPsenrichment was calculated in benthos [enrichment index (EI) = 1.41], water (EI = 1.11), and sediments (EI = 1.09), confirming that the unique ecological environment of the MA leads to different distribution and accumulation characteristics of MPs compared to the NA. The ecological risk assessment revealed low MPs pollution levels in sediments and water, but higher risks were observed for polychaetes and bivalves.
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