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Plasticrust generation and degeneration in rocky intertidal habitats contribute to microplastic pollution
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Researchers tracked the full lifespan of "plasticrusts" — thin plastic coatings fused onto intertidal rocks in Japan — from formation through degradation, finding that wave action and scraping during beach cleanups generate these crusts, which then fragment and contribute microplastics to coastal environments, with their fate determined by whether the polymer floats or sinks.
Plasticrusts are a plastic form that consists of plastic encrusting intertidal rocks. To date, plasticrusts have been reported on Madeira island (Atlantic Ocean), Giglio island (Mediterranean Sea) and in Peru (Pacific Ocean) but information on plasticrust sources, generation, degeneration and fate is largely missing. To address these knowledge gaps, we combined plasticrust field surveys, experiments and monitorings along the Yamaguchi Prefecture (Honshu, Japan) coastline (Sea of Japan) with macro-, micro- and spectroscopic analyses in Koblenz, Germany. Our surveys detected polyethylene (PE) plasticrusts that derived from very common PE containers and polyester (PEST) plasticrusts that resulted from PEST-based paint. We also confirmed that plasticrust abundance, cover and distribution were positively related to wave exposure and tidal amplitude. Our experiments showed that plasticrusts are generated by cobbles scratching across plastic containers, plastic containers being dragged across cobbles during beach clean-ups, and waves abrading plastic containers on intertidal rocks. Our monitorings found that plasticrust abundance and cover decreased over time and the macro- and microscopic examinations indicated that detached plasticrusts contribute to microplastic pollution. The monitorings also suggested that hydrodynamics (wave occurrence, tidal height) and precipitation drive plasticrust degeneration. Finally, floating tests revealed that low density (PE) plasticrusts float whereas high density (PEST) plasticrusts sink suggesting that polymer type floatability influences the fate of plasticrusts. By tracking the entire lifespan of plasticrusts for the first time, our study contributes fundamental knowledge of plasticrust generation and degeneration in the rocky intertidal zone and identified plasticrusts as novel microplastic sources.
More Papers Like This
Plasticrust generation and degeneration in rocky intertidal habitats contribute to microplastic pollution
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers monitored plasticrust formation and degradation on rocky intertidal shores, finding that these plastic coatings on rocks represent a dynamic reservoir of plastic pollution that cycles through formation, fragmentation, and environmental release.
Plasticrust generation and degeneration in rocky intertidal habitats contribute to microplastic pollution
AI summary Read the abstract
This study tracked plasticrust formation and loss on rocky intertidal surfaces over time, finding that these plastic coatings contribute to microplastic generation through weathering and provide habitat for distinct fouling communities.
A mini-review on plasticrusts: occurrence, current trends, potential threats, and recommendations for coastal sustainability
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This review describes a newly identified form of plastic pollution called plasticrusts, which are plastic coatings that form on rocks along shorelines from crushed plastic debris. These formations can release microplastics into the marine environment as they break down and may introduce harmful chemicals into coastal food chains. The discovery highlights that plastic pollution takes more forms than previously recognized, potentially increasing the ways microplastics enter the environment and, eventually, human food sources.
Plasticrusts, plastiglomerate and pyroplastic: new connections among novel plastic forms
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Plasticrusts, plastiglomerates, and pyroplastics are newly identified forms of plastic that have fused with rocks, sand, or other natural materials along marine coastlines worldwide. These novel plastic forms are created through weathering, burning, and melting processes and represent a largely unstudied pathway for microplastic generation. Their discovery shows that plastic pollution is transforming coastal environments in ways scientists are only beginning to understand.
Geological plastic forms in marine and terrestrial environments in Europe and Japan
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Researchers in Europe and Japan studied how plastic debris combines with rock, concrete, metal, oil and marine life to form new "geological plastic forms" in coastal and land environments. Examples include plastic fused with rock-like material, embedded in concrete or tar, rusted with metal, or overgrown by oysters and tube worms, affecting how plastics move, spread and persist.
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