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Tidal variation shaped microplastic enrichment patterns in mangrove blue carbon ecosystem of northern Beibu Gulf, China
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Researchers found that tidal variation significantly shapes microplastic distribution in mangrove sediments of the Beibu Gulf, with higher microplastic abundance in high-tide zones, suggesting mangroves act as effective sinks for microplastic pollution.
Mangroves are considered to be a sink for microplastics (MPs) due to their unique characteristics. Previous studies mainly focused on the spatial distribution of MPs, but few researchers have addressed the influence of tidal variation on this distribution, especially since the MP total number in mangroves was unknown. In this study, surface sediment samples were collected in mangroves from the Beibu Gulf, South China Sea, and the abundance, composition, and number of MPs were investigated. The results showed that MPs were widely present in all mangrove sediment samples, with abundances ranging from 26.67 ± 9.43 to 239.94 ± 37.80 items/kg. The distribution of MPs was heterogeneous among different sampling sites, with the highest levels in the Shankou (SK) area. The MP abundance in the same mangrove forest gradually increased from the low tidal zone to the high tidal zone, with the enrichment factor ranging from 1.50 to 4.00. The MP abundance was significantly correlated with particulate organic carbon (POC) ( n = 12, R = 0.664, p < 0.05). Results showed that mangroves had an interception effect on MPs and factors affecting MP distribution in mangrove sediments included not only tides but also human activities, such as aquaculture, agriculture, and residential life. Finally, this paper estimated the MP total number in mangroves at different sampling areas and tidal zones, and the middle tidal zone was considered to be more accurate for MP pollution assessment in mangroves.
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Dynamic distribution of microplastics in mangrove sediments in Beibu Gulf, South China: Implications of tidal current velocity and tidal range
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Researchers examined how tidal current velocity and tidal range influence the distribution of microplastics in mangrove sediments in Beibu Gulf, South China, finding strong linear relationships between current velocity and microplastic content during both flood and ebb tides. Microplastic concentrations increased from the seaward to landward boundary, with tidal current velocity -- but not tidal range -- significantly predicting their accumulation rates.
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Researchers studied how seagrass meadows and mangrove forests in the South China Sea trap microplastics, finding enrichment of 1.3 to 17.6 times compared to unvegetated sites, with a strong positive correlation between microplastic abundance and organic carbon content (Pearson R = 0.86).
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Researchers investigated the spatial distribution and retention of microplastics in sediments of plantation mangrove forests, finding that mangrove plantations act as effective sinks for microplastics transported by ocean tides, with particle size and shape influencing where plastics accumulate within the forest structure.
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Microplastics were found in mangrove sediments along a tropical coastline, with concentrations varying by location depending on proximity to urban areas and river inputs. Mangroves are increasingly recognized as habitats that trap both terrestrial and marine plastic debris, concentrating it in their sediments. The findings add to growing evidence that mangrove ecosystems are significant sinks for microplastic pollution with potential consequences for the rich biodiversity they support.
Mangrove leaves: An undeniably important sink of MPs from tidal water and air
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