We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Characteristics and spatiotemporal distribution of microplastics in sediments from a typical mariculture pond area in Qingduizi Bay, North Yellow Sea, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers characterized the abundance, morphology, and spatiotemporal distribution of microplastics in sediments from mariculture ponds and offshore areas of Qingduizi Bay in northern China across winter and summer. Mariculture pond sediments had notably higher microplastic concentrations than offshore areas, with transparent polyethylene terephthalate fibres dominating.
Microplastics (MPs) in mariculture environments may have an impact on mariculture and ecosystems. This study sampled the sediments in mariculture ponds and offshore areas in Qingduizi Bay during winter and summer. The abundance, characteristics, spatiotemporal distribution and pollution risk of microplastics were analyzed. The results showed that the abundance of MPs in the mariculture pond and offshore area was 49.2 ± 35.9 items·kg d.w. and 17.1 ± 9.9 items·kg d.w.; the MPs were mainly composed of transparent fibers of thickness 2000-5000 μm, with the main polymers being polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and cellophane (CP). The spatial distribution showed a downward trend from the inside to the outside, but the difference was not significant when comparing different seasons. The pollution load index (PLI) risk assessment showed that all sampling sites were at Hazard Level I. This study can provide valuable information for the risk assessment of microplastic pollution in mariculture areas.
More Papers Like This
Observation of microplastics in mariculture water of Longjiao Bay, southeast China: Influence by human activities
AI summary Read the abstract
A 9-month study of a shrimp mariculture farm in southeastern China found microplastic concentrations of 250–5,150 items/m³ in culture pond water, with seasonal variation and granules and fibers as dominant types — identifying aquaculture pond management practices as a driver of local MP levels.
Abundance, characteristics and ecological risks of microplastics from South Yellow Sea Mudflat
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in the mudflats of the South Yellow Sea and found plastic particles in both the water and sediment at all sampling locations. Areas near estuaries and ports had higher levels of microplastics in the water, while purely coastal mudflats accumulated more in their sediments. Although overall pollution levels were rated as low, the types of plastic polymers present indicated the potential for significant ecological risk.
Spatiotemporal distribution, source identification and inventory of microplastics in surface sediments from Sanggou Bay, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured the spatiotemporal distribution of microplastics in surface sediments from Sanggou Bay (an aquaculture area in China) across multiple seasons and identified fishing gear and aquaculture equipment as dominant local sources, estimating total plastic inventory in the bay.
Characterization of microplastics in the surface seawater of the South Yellow Sea as affected by season
AI summary Read the abstract
Surface seawater in the South Yellow Sea contained higher microplastic concentrations in winter than spring or summer, with fibers making up about 90% of particles and polyethylene and polypropylene as the dominant polymers. Seasonal variation in plastic characteristics, especially in summer, reflected greater terrestrial inputs during warmer months.
Long-term pollution status of microplastics in sediment of a typical mariculture area
AI summary Read the abstract
A six-year study of sediments in Sishili Bay, Yellow Sea, found that microplastic concentrations have been steadily rising each year, increasing from about 93 particles per kilogram in 2015 to over 200 particles per kilogram by 2021. PET and rayon fibers dominated the contamination, and the bay's semi-enclosed geography means pollutants accumulate rather than disperse, making it a worsening hotspot for seafloor plastic pollution.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.