We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Spatial patterns of macro-debris and microplastic pollution in Sri Lankan mangrove ecosystems: Insights from Rekawa and Negombo
AI summary Read the abstract
A comparison of two Sri Lankan mangrove sites found dramatically higher macro-debris and microplastic pollution at the urbanized Negombo site than the more rural Rekawa site, with blue microfibres dominating both locations and mangrove aerial roots acting as debris traps. Mangroves are biodiversity-critical coastal ecosystems that also provide storm protection and carbon storage, and this study illustrates how urban plastic waste degrades them. The findings underscore the need for stronger waste management policies to protect mangroves as both ecological and societal assets.
Macro-debris and microplastic abundance in the surface soil of mangroves were investigated at the Negombo and Rekawa sites in Sri Lanka. Macro-debris abundance was significantly higher at the Negombo site (664.8 ± 87.47 debris/100 m) than at the Rekawa site (1.53 ± 1.32 debris/100 m). At Negombo, plastic was the dominant macro-debris type (56.25%), whereas metal predominated at Rekawa (43.48%). A significant positive relationship between macro-debris abundance and the percentage cover of mangrove aerial roots was observed at Negombo, highlighting the role of these roots as traps for debris. Microplastic abundance in surface soil was also higher at Negombo than at Rekawa (Dunn's test, p < 0.05), with blue microfibres being the dominant type at both sites. Overall, both macro-debris and microplastic pollution were significantly greater at Negombo compared to Rekawa. Consequently, our study highlights the need to implement a robust plan for managing macro-debris pollution, promote environmental education on reducing, reusing, and recycling plastics, and enforcing stricter waste management and plastic production regulations to conserve the mangrove ecosystems at both sites.
More Papers Like This
Occurrence, distribution and characterization of microplastics from a tropical blue carbon ecosystem in southwest india
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were found in mangrove sediments along a tropical coastline, with concentrations varying by location depending on proximity to urban areas and river inputs. Mangroves are increasingly recognized as habitats that trap both terrestrial and marine plastic debris, concentrating it in their sediments. The findings add to growing evidence that mangrove ecosystems are significant sinks for microplastic pollution with potential consequences for the rich biodiversity they support.
Identifying patterns of microplastic accumulation in coastal vegetated habitats: A systematic review and meta-analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
A meta-analysis of microplastic accumulation in coastal vegetated habitats found that mangroves have the highest microplastic concentrations compared to saltmarshes and seagrass beds, especially near urban centers and fishing zones. Nearly 40% of comparisons showed higher microplastic accumulation in vegetated versus unvegetated sites, with degraded habitats accumulating more plastics.
Anthropogenic marine debris and its dynamics across peri-urban and urban mangroves on Penang Island, Malaysia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tracked the accumulation of marine debris in urban and semi-urban mangroves on Penang Island, Malaysia, finding that debris abundance varied with season, tidal patterns, and proximity to urban areas. Mangroves act as debris traps, concentrating plastic waste including microplastics that filter through their root systems.
Entrapped in debris: a preliminary assessment of the composition of anthropogenic marine debris on selected mangrove habitats of the Jaffna peninsula, Sri Lanka
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that mangrove forests in Sri Lanka are getting clogged with trash—mostly plastic (86% of debris found), much of it single-use items that get tangled in the trees' roots. This matters because mangroves are natural nurseries for fish and buffers against coastal erosion, and as plastic waste breaks down there, it can degrade into microplastics that enter the food chain—eventually landing on our plates through seafood. The study is a reminder that better waste management and recycling aren't just about clean beaches; they protect ecosystems that indirectly protect our health.
Quantifying microplastic pollution in South African mangrove forests: A comparative analysis of abundance, morphotype, polymer composition and toxicity.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastic pollution in South African mangrove forests using a comparative approach across multiple sites, filling a baseline knowledge gap for African coastal ecosystems where prior data is scarce. Microplastics were detected across mangrove sediments at levels that varied with proximity to urban and anthropogenic pressure.
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.