We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Depth profiles of microplastic in sediment cores in seagrass and adjacent areas
Summary
Researchers examined the vertical distribution of microplastics in sediment cores (0-20 cm depth) from seagrass beds and adjacent bare sediment areas at Kalase Bay in Thailand. The study found microplastics distributed throughout the depth profiles, with seagrass beds potentially acting as microplastic sinks due to their sediment-trapping properties.
Seagrass beds are vital biodiversity hotspots, offering habitats for many species of fish and marine organisms. Additionally, they play an essential role in nutrient cycling, sequestering carbon, and mitigating coastal erosion. These ecosystems are facing growing threats from pollution, including microplastics (MPs) contamination (< 5 mm). mined The vertical distribution of microplastics in sediment cores (depths 0-20 cm) in seagrass beds and adjacent areas at Kalase Bay, located in Trang Province, facing to Andama sea, southern Thailand was investigated. The results revealed the presence of MPs in both seagrass and non-seagrass areas, with higher concentrations found in the surface area (depths 0-5 cm) than the bottom (depths 15-20 cm) at many stations. The main shapes of microplastics were mostly made up of fibers and fragments. The most prominent color consisted of transparent particles, followed by black and blue particles. This result suggested that microplastic was accumulated in the depth profile of sediment at both areas especially at seagrass beds may perform as effective sinks for microplastics, likely due to their root and leaf structures that support MPs trapping, highlighting the need for pollution management and conservation strategies in coastal ecosystems.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
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.
Seagrass beds reveal high abundance of microplastic in sediments: A case study in the Baltic Sea
Seagrass bed sediments in the Baltic Sea were found to harbor significantly higher microplastic concentrations than surrounding bare sediments, indicating that seagrass canopies trap and accumulate microplastics and may be underappreciated hotspots of contamination.
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.
Seagrass beds acting as a trap of microplastics - Emerging hotspot in the coastal region?
Seagrass beds in coastal waters were found to trap and accumulate microplastics at higher concentrations than surrounding unvegetated sediments, acting as effective sinks for plastic particles due to their dense canopy structure. This positions seagrass meadows as emerging hotspots of microplastic contamination in coastal ecosystems.