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Distribution and characteristics of microplastics in sediment at representative dredged material ocean dumping sites, China
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This study investigated microplastic contamination in sediments at eight ocean dumping sites used for dredged material in China, finding an average abundance of about 113 particles per kilogram of dry sediment. Dumping activities appeared to be the dominant source of microplastics at only the most offshore site, while nearshore sites were influenced more by other inputs. The results highlight ocean dumping as an underappreciated pathway for introducing microplastics into coastal marine sediments.
Dredged material ocean dumping activities are likely an important source of microplastics (MPs) in coastal areas but have received little attention globally. In this study, we investigated the spatiotemporal distribution and characteristics of MPs in sediments at eight dredged material dumping sites of China. MPs were separated from sediment through density flotation, and polymer types were identified using μ-FTIR. The results showed that the average MP abundance was 112.82 ± 109.68 items/kg d.w. The MPs were more abundant at nearshore dumping sites than at distant dumping sites. Dumping activities may be the main contributor of MPs to Site BD1, the farthest dumping site from shore, but only a minor source of MPs at the other dumping sites. The characteristics of MPs were dominated by transparent PET fibers <1 mm. Overall, sediments at the dumping sites exhibited relatively low to moderate concentrations of MPs in comparison to most other coastal sediments.
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Researchers measured microplastic occurrence and composition in beach sediments at Shilaoren Beach, Qingdao, China, finding 561 microplastic particles across sampling sites. The results confirm widespread microplastic contamination of beach sediments even at tourist beaches, adding to evidence of plastic pollution along Chinese coastlines.
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Researchers conducted an intensive survey of microplastic levels and distribution in marine sediments from coastal areas, recognizing the seafloor as the ultimate repository for plastic particles. Microplastic concentrations in sediments were highest near urban and industrial coastlines, with fibers and fragments as the most common types.
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Analysis of dredged river sediment piles in southeast China found high MP concentrations (6,060–37,610 items/kg), and monitoring of surrounding soils and surface waters showed that dredging and stockpiling remobilized these MPs into adjacent agricultural land and waterways — a previously unrecognized dispersal pathway.
Factors influencing the occurrence and distribution of microplastics in coastal sediments: From source to sink
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Researchers sampled microplastics from sediments of two semi-enclosed bays and two coastal open zones in China, finding that proximity to human activity and reduced hydrodynamic energy were the primary drivers of higher microplastic abundance, with Jinghai Bay showing the greatest contamination due to its enclosed geometry and adjacent urban inputs.
Distribution pattern and influencing factors for the microplastics in continental shelf, slope, and deep-sea surface sediments from the South China Sea
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Researchers investigated microplastic pollution in surface sediments across the continental shelf, slope, and deep-sea floor of the northern South China Sea. The study found an average abundance of about 131 particles per kilogram, with distribution patterns influenced by ocean currents, water depth, and proximity to river inputs.
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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.