We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Organophosphate Triesters and Their Transformation Products in Sediments of Mangrove Wetlands in the Beibu Gulf, South China Sea
Summary
Researchers measured organophosphate ester pollutants and their breakdown products in sediments from three mangrove wetlands in China's Beibu Gulf for the first time. They found these contaminants were present at all sampling sites, with mangrove wetlands retaining higher concentrations than adjacent areas. The study indicates that mangrove sediments serve as sinks for these emerging pollutants, which are commonly associated with plastic products and flame retardants.
As emerging pollutants, organophosphate esters (OPEs) have been reported in coastal environments worldwide. Nevertheless, information on the occurrence and ecological risks of OPEs, especially the related transformation products, in mangrove wetlands is scarce. For the first time, the coexistence and distribution of OP triesters and their transformation products in three mangrove wetlands in the Beibu Gulf were investigated using ultrasonication and solid-phase extraction, followed by UHPLC-MS/MS detection. The studied OPEs widely existed in all the sampling sites, with the total concentrations ranging from 6.43 ng/g dry weight (dw) to 39.96 ng/g dw and from 3.33 ng/g dw to 22.50 ng/g dw for the OP triesters and transformation products, respectively. Mangrove wetlands tend to retain more OPEs than the surrounding coastal environment. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the TOC was not the sole factor in determining the OPEs' distribution, and degradation was not the main source of the transformation products in mangrove sediments in the Beibu Gulf. The ecological risks of selected OPEs for different organisms were also assessed, revealing a medium to high risk posed by OP diesters to organisms. The levels or coexistence of OPEs and their metabolites in mangroves need constant monitoring, and more toxicity data should be further studied to assess the effect on normal aquatic organisms.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Occurrences of organophosphorus esters and phthalates in the microplastics from the coastal beaches in north China
Researchers investigated organophosphorus esters and phthalates associated with microplastics collected from 28 coastal beaches across the Bohai and Yellow Sea in northern China, finding that these plastic-associated chemical pollutants may transfer to organisms via plastic ingestion.
Characterization, source, and retention of microplastic in sandy beaches and mangrove wetlands of the Qinzhou Bay, China
Researchers characterized microplastics in sediments from both sandy beaches and mangrove wetlands in Qinzhou Bay, southern China, finding higher abundances in mangrove sediments than beach sediments due to the trapping function of root systems. The study demonstrates that mangroves act as effective sinks for microplastic pollution in coastal zones.
Assessing the Interrelationship Between Microplastics and Polychlorinated Biphenyls Contamination in Chinese Mangrove Sediment
Researchers quantified polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations on microplastics extracted from mangrove sediments across representative sites in China, investigating the interrelationship between MP pollution dynamics and PCB contamination in these critical intertidal ecosystems. The study reveals how mangrove sediments accumulate both MPs and co-associated hydrophobic organic contaminants, highlighting combined pollution risks.
Characteristics and distribution of microplastics in the coastal mangrove sediments of China
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.
Microplastics on beaches and mangrove sediments along the coast of South China
Microplastic concentrations in beach and mangrove sediments along the South China coast were higher in summer than winter, with fibres and fragments dominating, and mangrove sediments retaining significantly more particles than adjacent beaches, confirming mangroves as important sinks for coastal microplastic pollution.