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Assessing microplastic contamination levels in ghana's mangrove wetlands
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Researchers investigated microplastic contamination levels in Ghana's mangrove wetlands, examining how the morphology of mangrove root systems traps and accumulates plastic particles of all sizes and assessing the threat posed to these ecologically critical coastal ecosystems.
Plastic pollution is an escalating global crisis that poses a significant threat to coastal ecosystems and their biodiversity. Mangroves are one such ecosystem that suffers from pollution; the morphology of mangrove trees tends to increase plastic accumulation, trapping all sizes of plastic. These regions are key providers of crucial ecological services like improving water quality, sequestering carbon (C) and protecting coastlines from erosion. This study's aim is to investigate the levels of microplastic (MP) contamination in mangroves from Ghana's Western and Central regions. Four mangrove regions, Kakum, and Narkwa – urbanised (dense population/communities) in the Central region and Ankobra and Amanzule – rural (more preserved) in the West region, were studied. Water and sediment samples were collected from each region, digested, oil-extracted, filtered and t identified using an ATR-FTIR. Strict protocols were followed to prevent contamination of the samples. A total of 1303 particles were analysed from sediment and water samples, 65 Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/558552/document
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Assessing microplastic contamination levels in ghana's mangrove wetlands
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Researchers assessed microplastic contamination levels in mangrove wetlands in Ghana, examining how mangrove tree morphology facilitates plastic accumulation and what concentrations and polymer types are present in these coastal ecosystems. The study addressed threats to mangrove ecological services including water quality improvement, carbon sequestration, and coastline protection posed by plastic pollution.
Invisible Peril: Assessing microplastic pollution in Ghanaian mangroves
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This study assessed microplastic pollution in mangrove sediments in Ghana, measuring particle abundance, types, and polymer composition across multiple mangrove sites. Microplastics were ubiquitous in all sampled mangroves, with highest concentrations near urban and fishing communities.
Quantifying microplastic pollution in South African mangrove forests: A comparative analysis of abundance, morphotype, polymer composition and toxicity.
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Researchers quantified microplastic pollution in South African mangrove forest sediments across multiple sites, providing rare baseline data for African coastal ecosystems that are underrepresented in global microplastic research. Microplastics were detected at all sampled mangrove sites, with contamination levels varying in relation to proximity to urban development and river inputs.
Microplastics in Singapore’s coastal mangrove ecosystems
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Researchers sampled coastal mangrove ecosystems in Singapore and found microplastics throughout, demonstrating that mangrove habitats accumulate plastic pollution and raising concerns for the organisms that depend on these ecologically important coastal forests.
Quantifying microplastic pollution in South African mangrove forests: A comparative analysis of abundance, morphotype, polymer composition and toxicity.
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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.
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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.