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Occurrence and migration patterns of microplastics in different tidal zones of tourist beaches: A case study in the Bohai Bay, North China
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This study tracked microplastic contamination across different tidal zones of a tourist beach in northern China. Tourist activity significantly increased microplastic levels, with the highest concentrations found in areas with the most foot traffic. The research shows that popular beaches can be hotspots for microplastic pollution, potentially increasing exposure for beachgoers and affecting coastal marine life that enters the human food chain.
Coastal areas are acknowledged to be significant reservoirs of microplastics, while limited research on their presence and migration in the intertidal zones. This study investigated in a tourist beach in northern China, to reveal the occurrence of microplastics at different intertidal heights, elucidates their migration patterns, and discusses the impact of tourist activities on microplastics. Results showed that the mean microplastic abundance was 2114.8 ± 933.2 items/kg in sediments and 30,670.8 ± 15,094.9 items/m in seawater. Fibers were the most common shape; transparent, blue, green and black prevailed in color; and cellulose and PET were the most common components. Microplastic abundances decreased from high tide zone to low tide zone, and the abundances of microplastics in seawater were positively correlated with those in the high tide zone and negatively correlated with those in the low tide zone. Compared to wave disturbance, human activities have a relatively limited impact on microplastic abundance. However, intensive tourist activities contribute to a higher diversity of microplastic types on tourist beaches. This study enhances the understanding of the occurrence and migration patterns of microplastics in tourist beaches, and provides a valuable dataset and theoretical basis for subsequent research on microplastic pollution in coastal areas.
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Occurrence and distribution of microplastics on recreational beaches of Haichow Bay, China
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Microplastic occurrence and distribution were examined on recreational beaches of Haichow Bay, China, a heavily visited coastal area. The study found microplastics throughout the beach environment with patterns linked to beach use intensity, wave energy, and sediment type, establishing contamination data for a tourist-frequented coastline.
Microplastic occurrence and hydrodynamic-sedimentary driving effects in the Bohai Strait region of China
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This study investigated microplastic occurrence and distribution in the Bohai Sea, examining how hydrodynamic and sedimentary processes drive the spatial pattern of microplastic accumulation. Current dynamics and sedimentation rates emerged as key controls on where microplastics concentrate.
Consequences of anthropogenic activities and beach dynamics on vertical distribution of microplastics in the mid-intertidal sediments of Donghai Island, China
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Researchers studied the vertical distribution of microplastics in intertidal sediments on Donghai Island, China, finding that depth profiles were strongly influenced by beach dynamics and human activity patterns. Microplastics were concentrated in the upper sediment layers, with anthropogenic disturbance intensifying accumulation. The study establishes baseline data for coastal microplastic monitoring and management.
The seasonal distribution characteristics of microplastics on bathing beaches along the coast of Qingdao, China
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Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution at six bathing beaches along the coast of Qingdao, China, across winter and summer seasons. Microplastic abundance in both seawater and sediment was significantly higher in summer, and concentrations increased from east to west, consistent with coastal current patterns. The study suggests that human recreational activity and urbanization contribute to higher microplastic levels at these popular beach destinations.
Linking the Tourism Activity to the Occurrence and Distribution of Microplastics
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Researchers assessed microplastic abundance, type, and spatial distribution in coastal water, sediments, and fish across three zones of Gili Trawangan, Indonesia, finding that tourism-related activities concentrated microplastics at recreational beaches with concentrations reaching 19.25 particles/L.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.