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Distinct microplastics abundance variation in root-associated sediments revealed the underestimation of mangrove microplastics pollution
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This study characterized how microplastic abundance varies across root hair, rhizosphere, and non-rhizosphere zones in mangrove sediments, finding that root structures significantly influence microplastic trapping and migration patterns within mangrove ecosystems.
Mangrove sediment is acknowledged as the critical sink of microplastics (MPs). However, the potential effect of mangrove root systems on the MPs migration in sediment remains largely unknown. Here, our study characterized the spatial distribution of MPs trapped in root hair, rhizosphere, and non-rhizosphere zones, and analyzed their correlations with physicochemical properties of sediments. The significantly increased MPs abundances toward root systems shed light on the distinct effect on the migration of MPs exerted by mangrove root systems. Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) analysis revealed that pore water content and pH influenced the abundances of different MP characteristics (shape, color, size, and type) and further promoted the accumulation of MPs toward the root systems. In different mangrove areas from landward to seaward, other sediment properties (median grain size, clay content, and salinity) also controlled MP distribution. Additionally, smaller-sized MPs (<1000 μm) were more easily transported to the root systems. Our study emphasizes the importance of considering root systems effect when investigating the mechanisms of MPs distribution and migration in mangrove sediments.
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Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in the mangrove sediment of the semi-enclosed Maowei Sea of the south China sea: New implications for location, rhizosphere, and sediment compositions
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Microplastics were widespread in mangrove sediments of the semi-enclosed Maowei Sea in southern China, with concentrations influenced by location within the mangrove, proximity to roots, and sediment composition. The study provides new insight into how mangrove ecosystems trap and accumulate microplastics, raising concerns for the health of these ecologically important coastal habitats.
Microplastic Contamination in Mangrove Sediments: A Systematic Review of Abundance, Composition, and Environmental Drivers[
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This review combined results from 37 studies on microplastic pollution in mangrove sediments worldwide. It found particle levels varied widely, with tiny fibers and fragments made mostly of polyethylene and polypropylene being most common, and that root density, tides, sediment type, and human activities like wastewater discharge affected accumulation. Differences in testing methods across studies made comparisons difficult.
Characterization, source, and retention of microplastic in sandy beaches and mangrove wetlands of the Qinzhou Bay, China
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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.
Distribution and retention of microplastics in plantation mangrove forest sediments
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Researchers investigated the spatial distribution and retention of microplastics in sediments of plantation mangrove forests, finding that mangrove plantations act as effective sinks for microplastics transported by ocean tides, with particle size and shape influencing where plastics accumulate within the forest structure.
How mangrove plants affect microplastic distribution in sediments of coastal wetlands: Case study in Shenzhen Bay, South China
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The effect of different mangrove plant species on microplastic distribution in coastal wetland sediments was investigated, finding that plant species significantly influenced where microplastics accumulated. The study suggests that mangrove root and canopy structures create preferential zones for microplastic retention in coastal sediments.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.