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Microplastic abundance and accumulation patterns in eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) meadows throughout coastal Massachusetts, USA
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Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in eelgrass meadows across coastal Massachusetts, finding microplastics present at all sites regardless of proximity to human development. The study suggests that microplastic accumulation patterns in seagrass ecosystems are related to epiphytic cover on leaves, plant morphology, and sediment bulk density, providing the first baseline concentrations for the temperate western North Atlantic.
Microplastics are fast-emerging as another potential threat to already globally declining seagrass ecosystems, but there is a paucity of in situ surveys showing their accumulations. Here, we surveyed multiple Zostera marina L. meadows in 2020 and 2021 across Massachusetts, USA, for microplastic contamination, as well as identified factors related to patterns of accumulation. We found that microplastics were ubiquitous throughout all sites regardless of proximity to human development, with fibers being the most common microplastic type. In addition, we showed that accumulation of microplastics within seagrass meadows was related to epiphytic cover on leaves, plant morphology, and bulk-density in sediments. The results of this study provide the first in situ baseline microplastic concentrations on Z. marina plants and sediments for the temperate western North Atlantic. Additionally, we identify specific biotic and abiotic factors related to patterns of microplastic accumulation in these ecosystems.
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Microplastic accumulation and impacts on eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) ecosystems throughout coastal Massachusetts, USA
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This study examined microplastic accumulation patterns and potential ecological impacts on eelgrass (Zostera marina) ecosystems along the coast of Massachusetts. The research investigated both the distribution of microplastics within seagrass meadows and how plastic contamination may affect the health of these important coastal habitats.
A review of microplastic impacts on seagrasses, epiphytes, and associated sediment communities
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This review synthesizes research on microplastic accumulation in seagrass ecosystems, examining effects on seagrass plants, epiphytic communities, and associated sediment biota. The authors identify seagrass meadows as both sinks for microplastics and potentially sensitive ecosystems where plastic contamination may disrupt complex ecological relationships.
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Researchers examined microplastic types and retention patterns within a mixed-species seagrass meadow composed of Nanozostera noltei and Zostera marina in the Tamar Estuary, Plymouth Sound, UK, assessing how seagrass shoot density influences microplastic trapping. The study provides evidence that seagrass beds act as significant microplastic sinks in coastal estuarine systems.
Microplastics in the seagrass ecosystems: A critical review
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This review critically assessed microplastic contamination in seagrass ecosystems worldwide, finding that these nearshore habitats accumulate significant plastic pollution due to their proximity to human activities and the trapping effect of submerged vegetation.
Trapping of microplastics and other anthropogenic particles in seagrass beds: Ubiquity across a vertical and horizontal sampling gradient
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Researchers examined how seagrass beds trap microplastics and other anthropogenic particles by sampling along a vegetation cover gradient from dense beds to less vegetated patches. The study found that seagrass vegetation enhances the accumulation of plastic debris in both sediment and among plant structures. Evidence indicates that seagrass ecosystems act as significant sinks for microplastic pollution, with implications for the organisms that depend on these habitats.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.