We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Spatial distribution and historical trend of microplastic pollution in sediments from enclosed bays of South Korea
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed microplastic pollution in seafloor sediments from enclosed bays in South Korea, comparing urban, aquaculture, and conservation sites. Urban areas showed the highest contamination with the most diverse polymer types, while aquaculture sites were dominated by expanded polystyrene from fishing equipment. Analysis of sediment cores revealed that microplastic pollution has been steadily increasing over time, with historical trends correlating to industrialization patterns.
Seafloor sediments are an important sink for microplastics (MPs), and the vertical profile of MP accumulation in a sediment core represents historical pollution trends. In this study, MP (20-5000 μm) pollution in surface sediments of urban, aquaculture, and environmental preservation sites in South Korea was evaluated, and the historical trend was investigated using age-dated core sediments from the urban and aquaculture sites. The abundance of MPs ranked in the order of urban, aquaculture, and environmental preservation sites. Polymer types were more diverse at the urban site compared to other sites, and expanded polystyrene was dominant in the aquaculture site. An increase in MP pollution and polymer types was observed from bottom to top of cores, and historical trends of MP pollution reflect local influences. Our results indicate that the characteristics of MPs are determined by human activities, and MP pollution should be addressed according to the characteristics of each site.
More Papers Like This
Spatial distribution and historical trend of microplastic pollution in sediments from enclosed bays of South Korea
AI summary Read the abstract
This study analyzed sediment cores from enclosed bays in South Korea to reconstruct the historical trend of microplastic pollution. Plastic levels increased sharply from the 1990s onward, mirroring the rise in global plastic production and providing a long-term record of contamination in coastal sediments.
Distribution, compositional characteristics, and historical pollution records of microplastics in tidal flats of South Korea
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated spatial and vertical distributions of microplastics in tidal flat sediments along the west coast of South Korea, finding distinct patterns in abundance and polymer composition linked to proximity to urban centers and tidal hydrodynamics.
Distribution and characterization of microplastics in marine sediments from coastal and offshore in South Korea
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Distribution and characterization of microplastics in marine sediments from coastal and offshore in South Korea
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted an intensive survey of microplastic distribution and characterization in marine sediments from coastal areas, confirming the seafloor as a long-term sink for plastic pollution. Contamination was highest near urban coastlines, with fibers and fragments accumulating preferentially in low-energy depositional environments.
A close relationship between microplastic contamination and coastal area use pattern
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination across three coastal areas in Korea characterized by different human activities: urban, aquafarm, and rural. They found that microplastic abundance and polymer composition varied by area, with diverse polymers at urban sites, polystyrene dominant near aquaculture operations, and polypropylene prevalent at rural fishing sites. The study demonstrates a close relationship between coastal land use patterns and the characteristics of microplastic pollution in both abiotic and biotic samples.
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.