We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Occurrenceand characteristics of microplastics in benthic species from mangrove wetlands of Hainan, South China
Summary
Researchers found microplastics in 10 species of benthic organisms — including crabs, bivalves, and snails — across seven mangrove areas in Hainan, China, confirming that mangrove ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them are significantly contaminated by microplastic pollution.
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants that pose a global threat to the environment. Mangrove ecosystems, which contribute to biogeochemical cycles, are vulnerable to various anthropogenic disturbances and chemical pollutants. In this study, the abundance and the characteristics of MPs were investigated in 10 species of benthic organisms, including crabs, bivalves, and snails, from seven typical mangrove distribution areas, with a total of 15 sampling sites in Hainan, South China. The abundance of MPs in each sampling site ranged between 0.83 ± 1.32 and 12.00 ± 0.00 items/individual, with an average of 3.90 ± 3.31 items/individual, while the abundance of MPs varied between 0.17 and 2.00 items/individual for the different species. Fibers (80.13%) were the most abundant MPs, most of the MPs were brown (37.18%) or blue (26.64%), and more than 80% were small-sized plastic (<2 mm). Raman analysis showed that polypropylene (94.44%) was the most dominant type of polymer. In addition, crabs (with an average abundance of 1.10 ± 0.59 items/individual) showed a higher potential for accumulating MPs than the other species investigated in the present study. This study shows that MPs are widely distributed throughout benthic species in the mangrove wetlands of Hainan.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Characteristics and distribution of microplastics in the coastal mangrove sediments of China
A survey of mangrove sediments along China's coast found microplastics were ubiquitous, with concentrations and polymer types varying by proximity to human activity and hydrological conditions. The study shows that mangrove forests, which provide critical coastal ecosystem services, are accumulating significant quantities of plastic pollution.
The distribution, characteristics and ecological risks of microplastics in the mangroves of Southern China
Microplastics were found to be widespread in mangrove sediments across Southern China, with higher concentrations in areas closer to urban development and aquaculture. The study highlights mangroves as accumulation zones for microplastic pollution, which could threaten these ecologically important coastal ecosystems.
Distribution and diversity of microplastics along the aquatic food web in the largest mangrove reserve of China
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination across the food web in China's largest natural mangrove reserve, examining fish, crabs, shrimp, and bivalves. They found that fish contained the most microplastics, and that organisms feeding indiscriminately accumulated more plastic particles than selective feeders. The study introduces a microplastic diversity index that reveals surprisingly complex contamination patterns across different species and trophic levels in mangrove ecosystems.
Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in the mangrove sediment of the semi-enclosed Maowei Sea of the south China sea: New implications for location, rhizosphere, and sediment compositions
Microplastics were widespread in mangrove sediments of the semi-enclosed Maowei Sea in southern China, with concentrations influenced by location within the mangrove, proximity to roots, and sediment composition. The study provides new insight into how mangrove ecosystems trap and accumulate microplastics, raising concerns for the health of these ecologically important coastal habitats.
Microplastic accumulation in fish from Zhanjiang mangrove wetland, South China
Microplastics were found in multiple fish species collected from Zhanjiang mangrove wetlands in South China, with contamination levels and particle types varying by species and feeding behavior. The study highlights how microplastics accumulate in fish living in mangrove ecosystems and enter coastal food chains.