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Seasonal variation in plastic litter pollution in mangroves from two remote tropical estuaries of the Colombian Pacific
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Researchers found that plastic litter in two remote Colombian Pacific mangrove estuaries was dominated by microplastics, with higher abundances during high-rainfall seasons in both surface waters and sediments, and foams and fragments being the most common types.
Mangroves in estuaries are highly vulnerable to the impacts of plastic litter pollution, because their location at river mouths and the high capacity of mangrove trees to trap plastic items. Here, we present new results on the abundance and characteristics of plastic litter during high and low rainfall seasons in mangrove waters and sediments of the Saija and Timbiqui River estuaries in the Colombian Pacific. In both estuaries, microplastics were the most common size (50-100 %), followed by mesoplastics (13-42 %) and macroplastics (0-8 %). Total abundances of plastic litter were higher during the high rainfall season (0.17-0.53 items/m in surface waters and 764-832 items/m in sediments), with a moderately positive relationship between plastic abundances recorded in both environmental matrices. The most common microplastics were foams and fragments. Continuous research and monitoring are required for a better understanding and management of these ecosystems and their threats.
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Spatial Distribution of Microplastics in Mangrove Sediments of a Polluted Embayment in the Eastern Tropical Pacific
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Researchers monitored microplastic presence and spatial distribution in intertidal mangrove sediments at four stations in Buenaventura Bay, Colombian Pacific over two years (2018 and 2021), finding microplastics in all sediment samples with a significant increase in average particle abundance between years and notable differences across sampling stations.
Seasonal variation of microplastics in tropical mangrove waters of South-western India
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Researchers measured seasonal variations in microplastic contamination within tropical mangrove waters in South-Western India. They found that post-monsoon concentrations were highest at 1.42 microplastics per liter, while monsoon season had the lowest levels at 0.19 per liter. Fibers were the most common particle type, with polymers including polypropylene, PET, and polyethylene identified, likely originating from local tourism, aquaculture, and marine industries.
Abundance, distribution, and characteristics of microplastics in coastal surface waters of the Colombian Caribbean and Pacific
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This study documented microplastic abundance, distribution, and characteristics across Colombian Caribbean and Pacific coastal surface waters during the 2017 rainy season, finding concentrations up to 8.96 items per square meter and establishing the first national baseline for microplastic pollution in Colombian coastal waters.
Abundance of Microplastics in Mangrove Sediments on Pari Island, Jakarta Bay, Indonesia
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Researchers sampled mangrove sediments on Pari Island in Jakarta Bay in two seasons and identified microplastics by shape, color, size, and polymer type, finding that seasonal variation affected abundance and distribution. The study documents microplastic accumulation in a mangrove ecosystem adjacent to the Indonesian capital.
Are mangrove ecosystems plastic accumulation zones?
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Researchers monitored macroplastic and microplastic pollution across nine mangrove sites on Cebu Island, Philippines, for over a year using paired removal and reference plots, finding that mangrove ecosystems function as significant plastic accumulation zones with differing dynamics between landward and seaward zones.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.