We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A systematic review to assess current surface water and sediment microplastic sampling practices in seagrass and mangrove ecosystems
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review examines how researchers collect and measure microplastic contamination in seagrass beds and mangrove ecosystems. These coastal habitats act as traps for microplastics, and since they also serve as nursery grounds for the fish and shellfish we eat, understanding contamination levels there is important for assessing seafood safety.
Global plastic production is estimated to be 400 million tonnes per annum, with ~ 5.25 trillion fragments floating in our oceans. Microplastics (< 5 mm) have the potential to disproportionately accumulate and become trapped in mangroves and seagrass meadows, creating plastic 'sinks'. This is concerning as these ecosystems are of great ecological and economic importance, with microplastics causing harm to inhabiting flora and fauna. However, accurately measuring microplastic abundance, comparing findings, and determining potential impacts are difficult due to a lack of standardised sampling protocols. Therefore, a systematic literature review was completed to review currently adopted microplastic sampling methods in surface water and sediment in seagrass and mangrove ecosystems. These were compared with recommendations from existing governmental and institutional groups as a first step to standardising methods for future sampling procedures in seagrasses and mangroves.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in the seagrass ecosystems: A critical review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review critically assessed microplastic contamination in seagrass ecosystems worldwide, finding that these nearshore habitats accumulate significant plastic pollution due to their proximity to human activities and the trapping effect of submerged vegetation.
Microplastic Contamination in Mangrove Sediments: A Systematic Review of Abundance, Composition, and Environmental Drivers[
AI summary Read the abstract
This review combined results from 37 studies on microplastic pollution in mangrove sediments worldwide. It found particle levels varied widely, with tiny fibers and fragments made mostly of polyethylene and polypropylene being most common, and that root density, tides, sediment type, and human activities like wastewater discharge affected accumulation. Differences in testing methods across studies made comparisons difficult.
Microplastics in mangroves with special reference to Asia: Occurrence, distribution, bioaccumulation and remediation options
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines microplastic contamination in Asian mangrove ecosystems, finding higher pollution levels near fishing, tourism, and industrial areas. Organisms throughout the mangrove food web, from shellfish to fish, accumulate microplastics based on their feeding habits and habitat. While mangrove plants can trap some microplastics in their roots, the widespread contamination of these coastal ecosystems raises concerns about the safety of seafood harvested from mangrove areas for human consumption.
Microplastic in mangroves: A worldwide review of contamination in biotic and abiotic matrices
AI summary Read the abstract
This worldwide review analyzed 53 studies on microplastic contamination in mangrove sediments, water, and organisms across Asia, America, and Africa, finding that research is geographically limited and lacks wide-scale coverage of mangrove coastlines. Most studies characterized microplastic type, size, color, and morphology but did not assess ecological risks.
Microplastics pollution in mangrove ecosystems: A critical review of current knowledge and future directions
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesizes available research on microplastic pollution in mangrove ecosystems, which act as buffers between land and sea and accumulate plastics from both marine and terrestrial sources. The authors identify key gaps in knowledge and call for more research on how microplastics affect these ecologically critical habitats.
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.