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The Occurrence of Microplastics in Sediment Cores from Two Mangrove Areas in Southern Thailand
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Microplastics were found in sediment cores from two mangrove areas in southern Thailand, with concentrations and polymer types reflecting inputs from both terrestrial and marine sources. The study documents mangrove sediments as accumulation zones for microplastics and highlights the potential threat to these ecologically sensitive coastal ecosystems.
Mangroves are areas that connect the land and sea, and are important to the ecosystem. They are important places for food sources and the habitat of aquatic fauna in the tidal areas. However, the existence of plastic debris poses a risk to the aquatic environment. This study aimed to investigate the accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in sediment cores from two mangrove areas. The first mangrove area is in the outer section of the Songkhla lagoon (SK), while the second is in the coastal area of Pattani province (PN). Sediment core sampling was performed from SK = 8 stations and PN = 5 stations. Surface enrichment of MP was observed, especially in sediments of 0–4 cm. MPs were found throughout the depth in both areas, while fewer MPs were found in deeper sediment core layers (p < 0.05) at some stations inside the mangrove zone. Simple linear regression of the observed MPs and distance in the horizontal were found to be significant at SK within the mangrove zone with r2 = 0.79 (p < 0.05). MP fibers were the most commonly found MP type in both areas and were less than 1 mm. Blue and black MPs were the most abundant colors found in both areas. The six polymer types reported in this study comprised polyethylene, rayon, rubber, styrene, Poly (vinyl acetate), and paint. The findings of the present study suggest that long-term monitoring of marine debris along coastlines is necessary to help improve national policies and measures related to marine plastic debris.
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Researchers conducted a preliminary study on microplastic abundance in mangrove sediment cores collected from the Mae Klong River mouth and a shoreline park in Thailand. The study found microplastics throughout the sediment cores, with fibers and fragments being the most common types, indicating that mangrove ecosystems are accumulating microplastic pollution over time.
The distribution, characteristics and ecological risks of microplastics in the mangroves of Southern China
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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.
Characteristics and distribution of microplastics in the coastal mangrove sediments of China
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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.
Microplastic Contamination in the Coastal Environment: A Case Study from the Mae Klong Estuary, Samut Songkhram
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Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in mangrove sediments from two sites in the Mae Klong Estuary in Thailand, finding average concentrations of 580 items/kg in the Mae Klong River and 1,690 items/kg in the Klong Khon Canal. The study linked higher microplastic concentrations in the canal to lower sediment transport energy in tidal flat environments that promote deposition of fine grains and plastic particles.
Depth Profiles of Microplastic in Sediment Cores in the Mangrove Area of Kuala Gula Mangrove, Malaysia
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Researchers profiled microplastic abundance with depth in sediment cores from the Kuala Gula Mangrove in Malaysia, finding 25-130 items per kg dry weight and highest concentrations near rivermouth sites, demonstrating that mangrove sediments are significant microplastic sinks.
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