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Fate and drivers of mariculture-derived microplastics from ponds to mangrove forests
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This study traced the fate and transport of mariculture-derived microplastics from aquaculture ponds into adjacent mangrove forests, finding that tidal exchange transfers significant plastic loads from aquaculture operations into mangrove sediments.
Due to the combined influences of marine and terrestrial disturbances, the sources of microplastics (MPs) in mangrove ecosystems are complex and diverse. Previous studies have inferred the possible involvement of mariculture activities as a potential source of mangrove MPs based on the characteristics of MPs. However, the direct contributions of mariculture-derived MPs to mangrove MPs remain largely unknown. In this study, we systematically investigated the fate of MPs in the discharge of mariculture wastewater by quantifying the source contributions of mariculture-derived MPs to rivers and mangroves. The majority of detected MPs were transparent fibers, with their composition primarily comprising materials commonly used in mariculture activities such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and nylon. The partial least squares path model elucidated the relationships among the composition of MPs in ponds, rivers, and mangroves, indicating that ponds exert a substantial direct effect on mangroves, particularly significant in the sediments (63.68%). Water turbidity, sediment carbon content, and sediment particle size are key ecological factors influencing the abundance of mariculture-derived MPs. This study provides compelling evidence regarding the sources of mangrove MPs and novel insights into mitigating the dissemination of MPs.
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Distribution and retention of microplastics in plantation mangrove forest sediments
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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.
Microplastic Contamination in Water, Sediment, and Biota in Mangrove Forests
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This review synthesized research on microplastic contamination in mangrove forest water, sediment, and biota, finding that mangroves act as both sinks and potential sources of microplastics due to their complex hydrodynamics, with ecotoxicological data on mangrove-specific organisms remaining limited.
Fate of plastic in hong kong mangrove forest: from macro to micro
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A study of Hong Kong mangrove forests found plastic debris ranging from large fragments down to microplastic-sized particles throughout the habitat, with mangroves acting as both traps and degradation sites for plastic. As plastic fragments in the mangrove environment, it generates microplastics that can be ingested by mangrove-associated organisms. The findings call for better plastic pollution management to protect these ecologically important coastal forests.
Role of mangrove forest in interception of microplastics (MPs): Challenges, progress, and prospects
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This review examines how mangrove forests intercept and accumulate microplastics from terrestrial, marine, and atmospheric sources, identifying knowledge gaps in understanding the mechanisms, ecological impacts, and long-term fate of trapped microplastics in mangrove ecosystems.
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.
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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.