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Distribution of microplastics in the tidal flats of La Parguera, Puerto Rico
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Researchers studied the distribution of microplastics in tidal flat sediments behind mangrove forests at four sites in southwest Puerto Rico. They found an average of about 149 microplastic particles per kilogram of sediment, with abundance increasing at greater distances from mangrove trees. The study suggests that mangrove density and local human activity levels influence how microplastics accumulate in these critical coastal ecosystems.
Tidal flats form behind mangrove forests and are critical coastal ecosystems influenced by ocean and land-based processes. To assess microplastics (MPs, <5 mm) distribution within tidal flats we studied four sites in southwest Puerto Rico with varying mangrove densities and anthropogenic influences. We characterized MPs from surface sediments along a transect at each tidal flat. On average 148.64 ± 138.87 MPs kg were collected with the majority (55.5 %) 0.3-1 mm in size. MPs abundance within transects was positively correlated to distance from mangroves at three sites. The most common polymers were polyethylene (48.4 %) and polypropylene (16.1 %). As expected, the roadside site had the highest abundance of MPs, but surprisingly, a remote island site had the second highest amount. Two other sites likely benefited from thicker mangrove cover and less human interference. While mangroves minimized MPs accumulation, improved waste management is also needed to reduce MPs delivered to these ecosystems.
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Researchers investigated the spatial distribution and retention of microplastics in sediments of plantation mangrove forests, finding that mangrove plantations act as effective sinks for microplastics transported by ocean tides, with particle size and shape influencing where plastics accumulate within the forest structure.
Microplastics in mangrove and beach sediments on southeast Florida barrier islands
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Researchers quantified and characterized microplastic abundance, distribution, and variation in estuarine mangrove and beach sediments across southeast Florida barrier islands. The study aimed to improve understanding of microplastic hazards in these coastal ecosystems to support conservation efforts for mangrove and beach environments.
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Researchers found that mangrove sediments in Fiji contained nearly ten times more microplastics than surrounding non-mangrove areas, with consistent results across both urban and rural sites. Fibers were the most common type of microplastic found, and the contamination levels were comparable to heavily polluted regions elsewhere in the world. The study highlights that mangroves, while vital coastal ecosystems, may be acting as significant traps for microplastic pollution in Pacific Island nations.
Characteristics and distribution of microplastics in the coastal mangrove sediments of China
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A survey of mangrove sediments along China's coast found microplastics were ubiquitous, with concentrations and polymer types varying by proximity to human activity and hydrological conditions. The study shows that mangrove forests, which provide critical coastal ecosystem services, are accumulating significant quantities of plastic pollution.
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.
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.