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Characteristics, influencing factors, and ecological risks of microplastics in the north branch tidal marshes of the Yangtze River estuary
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Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in tidal marshes at the Yangtze River estuary and found an average of about 507 particles per kilogram of sediment. The distribution was strongly influenced by salinity and vegetation type, with freshwater areas dominated by reeds containing more microplastics than saltwater zones. The study highlights how seawater intrusion and plant communities shape where microplastics accumulate in these ecologically sensitive coastal wetlands.
Microplastic pollution is a growing global environmental issue, particularly in vulnerable tidal marsh ecosystems, where its environmental behaviour and ecological risks remain poorly understood. This study investigated the microplastic contamination in the north branch tidal marshes of the Yangtze River estuary. Surface sediment samples were collected from 42 stations across 6 transects, revealing an average microplastic abundance of 506.80 ± 386.82 items/kg. The distribution of microplastics was strongly influenced by salinity and vegetation, with seawater intrusion playing a critical role. A significant negative correlation between salinity and microplastic abundance was observed; areas dominated by Phragmites australis (low salinity) had higher microplastic abundance compared to high-salinity areas with sparse vegetation. 12 types of microplastics were identified, with polyethylene and polystyrene being the most abundant (20 % and 19 %, respectively). The most common colours were transparent (26 %) and yellow (23 %), while the predominant shapes were granular (37 %) and fragmentary (32 %). Most microplastics measured under 2000 μm, with the 200-500 μm size range accounting for 49 % of the total. Likely sources of microplastics include aquaculture equipment, industrial products, agricultural cultivation supplies, and daily necessities. Although the ecological risk index for the region is relatively low, the presence of diverse species highlights potential ecological threats.
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Distribution Characteristics of Microplastics in Surface Seawater off the Yangtze River Estuary Section and Analysis of Ecological Risk Assessment
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Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in surface seawater near the Yangtze River estuary across four seasons in 2017 and 2019. They found microplastics at all sampling stations, with abundance varying by season and influenced by river discharge and ocean currents. The study provides baseline data on microplastic pollution levels in this ecologically important estuarine region of China.
Seasonal dynamics, tidal influences, and anthropogenic impacts on microplastic distribution in the Yangtze River estuary: A comprehensive characterization and comparative analysis
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Researchers studied microplastic pollution in the Yangtze River estuary and found average concentrations of about 1 particle per cubic meter of surface water, mostly polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene. Microplastic levels were nearly twice as high during flood season compared to dry season and decreased with distance from urban centers. These findings highlight how population density and seasonal water flow influence microplastic distribution in major waterways.
Variation in microplastics composition at small spatial and temporal scales in a tidal flat of the Yangtze Estuary, China
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Researchers investigated microplastic variation at small spatial and temporal scales in a tidal flat of the Yangtze Estuary, finding that surface sediments had higher microplastic abundances during neap tides than spring tides, and that vegetation zones had distinct microplastic composition compared to bare mudflat areas.
[Distribution and Settlement of Microplastics in the Surface Sediment of Yangtze Estuary].
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Researchers found microplastics in surface sediments at six sites in China's Yangtze River estuary, with concentrations varying by location and season. The study documents significant plastic contamination in this major coastal zone, raising concerns about ecosystem health and entry of microplastics into the marine food web.
The pollution of microplastics in sediments of the Yangtze River Basin: Occurrence, distribution characteristics, and basin-scale multilevel ecological risk assessment
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This study mapped microplastic pollution throughout the Yangtze River Basin in China and found an average of 611 particles per kilogram of sediment, with wide variation across locations. Smaller microplastics under 1 millimeter and fibrous shapes were most common, and contamination was closely linked to population density and human activities. The findings are concerning because the Yangtze River system provides drinking water and food resources to hundreds of millions of people.
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