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Assessing the distribution and influx of microplastics into the east sea of korea
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Researchers assessed the distribution and characteristics of microplastics entering the East Sea of Korea at three southeastern stations in September 2022 and April 2023, collecting 100-to-200-liter seawater samples to estimate microplastic input levels and vertical distribution throughout the water column.
Marine microplastic pollution is a globally recognized environmental issue, with microplastics being detected throughout the water column from the ocean's surface to the seafloor. Buoyant microplastics are prevalent in the water column due to various biological and physical factors. This study aimed to ascertain the distribution and characteristics of microplastics entering the East Sea and to estimate their input levels. The study was conducted in September 2022 and April 2023 at three stations situated in the southeastern region of Korea. Seawater samples, ranging from 100 to 200 liters, were collected from six water layers, and microplastics were analyzed using μFT-IR. The average concentration of microplastics in seawater collected in September 2022 and April 2023 ranged from 247 to 757 n/m³ and 308 to 737 n/m³, respectively. Microplastic concentrations exhibited an overall decreasing trend with distance from the coast. No discernible vertical pattern in the concentration distribution of microplastics along the water column was observed. Polymer compositions varied, with samples from September 2023 containing polypropylene (PP), polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA), polyethylene (PE), Alkyd, and polyester (PES)/polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In April 2023, Alkyd, PP, PEVA, PES/PET, and PE predominated. PP emerged as the dominant polymer detected in the water column, despite its positive buoyancy due to its low density compared to seawater. Alkyd polymer, prominently detected in April 2023, predominantly exhibited small sizes ranging from 20 to 200 μm, with red and green colors being predominant (¿90 Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/559398/document
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Assessing the distribution and influx of microplastics into the east sea of korea
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed the distribution and characteristics of microplastics across six water column depths at three stations in the southeastern East Sea of Korea in September 2022 and April 2023, collecting 100-200 liter seawater samples analyzed by µFT-IR. They found average concentrations of 247-757 particles/m3 with higher levels closer to shore and no consistent vertical gradient in concentration, providing baseline data on microplastic influx into this regional sea.
Microplastic Distribution and Transport Mechanisms in the South Sea and East China Sea of Korea
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Researchers collected surface seawater and sediment samples from the South Sea and East China Sea of Korea to map microplastic distribution and identify transport mechanisms. Fragment-shaped microplastics in the 0.02-0.3 mm size range dominated, with concentrations highest in the Yellow Sea area and distribution patterns explained by regional current systems and local land-based inputs.
Abundance and Distribution Characteristics of Microplastics in Surface Seawaters of the Incheon/Kyeonggi Coastal Region
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Researchers investigated microplastics in both the surface microlayer and subsurface waters of the Incheon/Kyeonggi coastal region of Korea, finding that microplastic concentrations were significantly higher in the surface microlayer than in bulk seawater. Fragment and fiber morphologies dominated, with the distribution patterns reflecting urban runoff and shipping activity as likely sources.
Baseline Study on Microplastic Distribution in the Open Surface Waters of the Korean Southwest Sea
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Researchers collected surface seawater south of Jeju Island in South Korea and found an average microplastic abundance of 0.46 particles per liter, with polyethylene as the dominant polymer and fragments as the most common shape, establishing a baseline for this understudied ocean region.
Spatial distribution of microplastic in the surface waters along the coast of Korea
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Scientists surveyed microplastics (0.33–5 mm) across six semi-enclosed bays and two open coastal waters in Korea during July surveys from 2015 to 2017, finding mean abundances of 1.12–4.74 particles per m2 with expanded polystyrene and paint particles as dominant types.
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