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Distribution, compositional characteristics, and historical pollution records of microplastics in tidal flats of South Korea
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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.
Studies on distribution of microplastics (MPs) in sediments of tidal flats are relatively scarce compared to other coastal areas. In this study, spatial and vertical distributions and compositions of MPs in tidal flat sediments along the west coast of Korea were investigated. The abundance of MPs in surface and core sediments ranged from 20 to 325 and 14 to 483 particles per 50 g dry weight, respectively. Polypropylene (51%) and polyethylene (36%) were the most dominant MPs; the size was <0.3 mm, and the shape was mostly fragments followed by fibers. The abundance of MPs in sediments has increased rapidly since the 1970s, and recently showed a slight decrease. Surface morphology of MPs analyzed using a scanning electron microscope revealed that the MPs in tidal flats were highly weathered mechanically and/or oxidatively. The results of this study provide valid baseline data on distributions of MPs in tidal flats.
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Distribution and characterization of microplastics in marine sediments from coastal and offshore in South Korea
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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.
Distribution and characterization of microplastics in marine sediments from coastal and offshore in South Korea
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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.
Factors Influencing the Spatial Variation of Microplastics on High-Tidal Coastal Beaches in Korea
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This study analyzed how tide level, beach zone (upper, middle, lower), and sediment grain size influence the spatial distribution of microplastics on sandy beaches in a high-tidal coastal area. The results showed that microplastics accumulate unevenly across a beach cross-section and that tidal dynamics are a key factor controlling where they deposit.
Spatial distribution and historical trend of microplastic pollution in sediments from enclosed bays of South Korea
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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.
Spatial distribution and historical trend of microplastic pollution in sediments from enclosed bays of South Korea
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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.
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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.