We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic abundance and its relationship with sediment grain size in seagrass and bare flats of Panjang Island, Banten Bay, Indonesia
Summary
Researchers surveying Panjang Island in Indonesia's Banten Bay found microplastics throughout both seagrass and bare sediment areas, with finer-grained sediments accumulating more particles. Seagrass beds appeared to trap more microplastics than bare areas, meaning these critical coastal habitats — already under stress — may concentrate plastic pollution and expose the organisms sheltering in them to higher doses.
Microplastic accumulation in sediment is influenced by the grain size of sediment. Panjang Island, located in Banten Bay, has the potential to accumulate microplastics from bay-wide transport and local anthropogenic sources. This study assessed the relationship between sediment grain size and microplastics in seagrass and bare flat sediments. Sediment samples were collected from seagrass, seagrass edges, and non-seagrass areas at three stations (n = 9). Differences among sampling points were evaluated using Kruskal–Wallis, while relationship between microplastic and sediment grain size was assessed using Spearman’s coefficient and principal component analysis (PCA). Microplastic abundance ranged from 240 to 1.880 par kg -1 dw with no significant differences among sampling points ( p > 0.05). Microplastics were dominated by fragments and fibers, with fine and medium sand being the dominant sediment grains. A positive correlation was observed between microplastic abundance and finer sediments (rs = 0,58), suggesting that microplastic increases with the proportion of fine sand. PCA results showed an association between microplastic abundance and sampling points located in seagrass beds, suggesting that seagrass may enhance microplastic accumulation in the sediments of Panjang Island.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic abundance and its relationship with sediment grain size in seagrass and bare flats of Panjang Island, Banten Bay, Indonesia
Seagrass beds are thought to trap microplastics more efficiently than bare seafloor, but a study in Indonesia's Banten Bay found no statistically significant difference in microplastic abundance between seagrass and unvegetated sediments, with counts ranging from 240 to 1,880 particles per kilogram of dry sediment. Sediment grain size did influence microplastic accumulation, with finer sediments retaining more particles. These findings suggest that local hydrodynamic conditions and sediment texture may matter more than vegetation type when predicting where microplastics concentrate in coastal ecosystems.
Trapping of microplastics and other anthropogenic particles in seagrass beds: Ubiquity across a vertical and horizontal sampling gradient
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.
An Assessment of Microplastics (MPs) Sedimentary Accumulation in Seagrass Meadows of Mare Island Conservation Area, North Maluku, Indonesia
Researchers conducted the first study of microplastic accumulation in seagrass meadow sediments at Mare Island Conservation Area, North Maluku, Indonesia, finding microplastic abundances of 13,839-37,000 particles per kilogram dry weight sediment, with fibres as the dominant morphology across both sampling stations.
Accumulation of microplastics in relation to the sediment grain size distribution in seagrass meadows in the coastal areas of Tuticorin, southeast coast of India
Researchers investigated the relationship between microplastic accumulation and sediment texture in seagrass meadows along the southeast coast of India. They found that seagrass sediments contained significantly higher microplastic concentrations than unvegetated areas, with polyethylene being the most common polymer detected. The findings suggest that seagrass meadows act as traps for microplastic pollutants, with sediment grain size influencing accumulation patterns.
Factors influencing microplastic abundances in the sediments of a seagrass-dominated tropical atoll
Researchers investigated factors controlling microplastic abundance in sediments of a seagrass-dominated tropical atoll. They found that seagrass density, water flow patterns, and proximity to human settlements all influenced microplastic accumulation, with denser seagrass meadows trapping more particles in their sediments. The study raises concerns that microplastic buildup in seagrass ecosystems could threaten the ecological services these habitats provide, including carbon storage and biodiversity support.