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Preliminary assessment of microplastic in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere region of mangrove at four locations along Karachi coast, Pakistan

Marine Pollution Bulletin 2024 5 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 45 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.

Shagufta Riaz, Shagufta Riaz, Rafia Sahar, Rafia Sahar, Irfana Qader, Irfana Qader, Zaib-Un-Nisa Burhan, Zaib-Un-Nisa Burhan, Sofia Khalique Alvi, Sofia Khalique Alvi, Sarwat Ghulam Rasool, Pirzada Jamal Ahmed Siddiqui, Seema Shafique, Seema Shafique

Summary

Researchers assessed microplastic distribution in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere mangrove sediments at four sites along the Karachi coast, finding 14,960 particles with slightly higher counts in non-rhizosphere zones. Beads were the most common particle type, and FTIR confirmed polyethylene and polypropylene as dominant polymers.

Polymers

PE PET

Mangrove ecosystem faces significant threats from the various pollutants including microplastic (MPs). The aim of this study was to assess variations in MP distribution in mangrove sediments of rhizosphere (R) and non-rhizosphere (NR) regions. A total of 14,960 MP particles were identified from Sandspit backwater (SS-1 & SS-2) and Creek areas (PQ & KC). Notably, the NR showed higher MP counts (7848) compared to the R region (7112). Analysis revealed variations in MP types, with beads being predominant in both R and NR, followed by film, fiber, and fragments. KC exhibited highest MP contamination, followed by PQ, SS-2, and SS-1. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed the presence of polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene in sediments samples. This first detailed report on MP in mangrove sediments and other limited studies from Pakistan establishes the widespread distribution of MPs in the coastal area and provide a baseline for further elaboration in future.

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