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Distribution and characterization of microplastics in marine sediments from coastal and offshore in South Korea
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Researchers conducted an intensive survey of microplastic distribution and characterization in marine sediments from coastal areas, confirming the seafloor as a long-term sink for plastic pollution. Contamination was highest near urban coastlines, with fibers and fragments accumulating preferentially in low-energy depositional environments.
The seafloor is considered the ultimate repository for microplastics in the environment. Sediment can accumulate microplastics over extended periods due to low degradation rates under poor light and oxygen-deficient conditions. We conducted an intensive assessment survey to determine the levels, distribution profiles, and contamination characteristics of microplastic in the seafloor of coastal and offshore areas. The study focused on a coastal bay (Masan Bay) and an offshore area (East Sea). Surface sediment samples were collected using Van Veen Grab and box core samplers in Masan Bay (n=27) and the East Sea (n=47) from 2022 to 2023. Microplastics were detected in all sediment samples collected from Masan Bay and the East Sea, with concentrations ranges of 3,189-75,375 n/kg and 892-43,209 n/kg, respectively. The overall microplastic abundance was higher in the coastal bay compared to the offshore area, with a negative gradient in microplastic concentration observed from inside to outside of the bay. Among the various polymers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, and polyethylene terephthalate exhibited concentration gradients. These results indicates that land-based human activities are a significant source of microplastic in the marine environment. Fragment-type microplastics were predominant in both the coastal bay and offshore area, while fibers were relatively more abundant in the coastal bay. Low-density polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene vinyl acetate were relatively abundant in the coastal region, while high-density small microplastics were more prevalent in the offshore area. Exceptionally high microplastic abundances were found at a dumping site and its surrounding areas, with spherical polystyrene being particularly abundant. Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/559369/document
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Distribution and characterization of microplastics in marine sediments from coastal and offshore in South Korea
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted an intensive survey of microplastic levels and distribution in marine sediments from coastal areas, recognizing the seafloor as the ultimate repository for plastic particles. Microplastic concentrations in sediments were highest near urban and industrial coastlines, with fibers and fragments as the most common types.
Distribution, compositional characteristics, and historical pollution records of microplastics in tidal flats of South Korea
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Researchers investigated spatial and vertical distributions of microplastics in tidal flat sediments along the west coast of South Korea, finding distinct patterns in abundance and polymer composition linked to proximity to urban centers and tidal hydrodynamics.
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.
Spatial distribution and historical trend of microplastic pollution in sediments from enclosed bays of South Korea
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Researchers analyzed microplastic pollution in seafloor sediments from enclosed bays in South Korea, comparing urban, aquaculture, and conservation sites. Urban areas showed the highest contamination with the most diverse polymer types, while aquaculture sites were dominated by expanded polystyrene from fishing equipment. Analysis of sediment cores revealed that microplastic pollution has been steadily increasing over time, with historical trends correlating to industrialization patterns.
A Study on the Distribution of Microplastics in the South Coast of Korea and Gwangyang Bay
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This study characterized the distribution and abundance of microplastics in surface water along the south coast of South Korea, finding widespread contamination with fibers and fragments across multiple sampling sites. Polymer analysis identified polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene as the dominant types.
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