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Spatial and vertical distribution of microplastics in mangrove sediment in the southern Philippines
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This study mapped microplastic contamination in the sediments of three mangrove forests in Mindanao, Philippines, finding particles at all sites with counts ranging from 83 to 2,250 items per kilogram depending on location. Fragment shapes dominated near one river mouth while fibers dominated at a coastal site, and polypropylene was the most common polymer overall. Microplastic levels and types appeared linked to local economic activity, fishing, and waste management practices. The findings provide baseline data for protecting these ecologically important coastal ecosystems.
Mangroves in the Philippines are essential ecosystems that support a diverse array of species. It also provides various ecosystem services, such as trapping of pollutants, including plastics. Microplastics are one of the pollutants that pose a significant ecological threat. These can be retained in mangroves and in the deeper layers of sediments. Thus, this study aimed to determine and characterize the microplastics in different areas and sediment depths in the mangroves in Misamis Oriental (Alubijid), Surigao del Norte (Siargao), and Lanao del Norte (Bacolod) in Mindanao, Philippines. The abundance of microplastics in Alubijid recorded the highest values (750.00-2250.00 items kg), followed by Siargao (250.00-750.00 items kg) and Bacolod (83.33-583.33 items kg). Microplastics were prevalent in the landward zone of Alubjid (1150 items kg) and Bacolod (216.67 items kg). The microplastic morphology varied depending on the site, with fragments being predominant in Alubijid (42 %), fibers in Siargao (56 %), and films in Bacolod (41 %). The dominant color was green in Bacolod (32 %), blue in Siargao (34 %), and transparent in Alubijid (33 %). Prevalent polymers were polypropylene in Alubijid (45 %) and Bacolod (36 %), and polyester in Siargao (33 %). Moreover, there were no trends in microplastic abundance, color, shape, and polymer type with depth among all sites. The characteristics of microplastics at the site may be attributed to the plastic use, economic activities, and solid waste management practices in the area. Our findings serve as baseline data leading to the formulation of strategies for microplastic impacts on mangrove ecosystems.
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Depth Profiles of Microplastic in Sediment Cores in the Mangrove Area of Kuala Gula Mangrove, Malaysia
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Researchers profiled microplastic abundance with depth in sediment cores from the Kuala Gula Mangrove in Malaysia, finding 25-130 items per kg dry weight and highest concentrations near rivermouth sites, demonstrating that mangrove sediments are significant microplastic sinks.
Unraveling Microplastic Pollution in Mangrove Sediments of Butuan Bay, Philippines
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Researchers examined microplastic contamination in mangrove sediments of Butuan Bay in the Philippines and found 72 particles across sampling sites. Fibrous microplastics were the most common type, and polypropylene was the dominant polymer, making up 39 percent of samples. The study serves as baseline data for the region and recommends long-term monitoring to better understand and prevent further microplastic pollution in the bay.
Microplastics Occurrence in Surface Waters and Sediments in Five River Mouths of Manila Bay
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Researchers documented microplastic contamination in water and sediments at five river mouths of Manila Bay in the Philippines, finding fragments and fibers as the dominant types, with polyethylene and polypropylene the most common polymers.
Abundance and distribution of microplastics in tropical estuarine mangrove areas around Penang, Malaysia
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This study documented microplastic pollution in tropical mangrove estuaries around Penang, Malaysia, finding thousands of plastic particles in both water and sediment samples. Concentrations were particularly high near the more urbanized Seberang Perai area, where sediment contained up to 4,000 particles per kilogram. The research highlights that tropical mangroves, which serve as important nursery habitats for marine life, are accumulating significant amounts of microplastic pollution.
Contamination of microplastics in mangrove sediment cores from Lach Huyen area, Hai Phong city, Vietnam
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Microplastic concentrations in sediment cores from mangrove forests near a major Vietnamese port averaged over 1,300 particles per kilogram — substantially higher than comparable regions globally — with fibres comprising 80% of particles and concentrations decreasing with sediment depth, suggesting recent intensification of pollution. Mangrove sediments act as long-term plastic sinks, and the high fibre burden raises concern for the benthic organisms and communities that depend on these critical coastal ecosystems.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.