We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic distribution within core sediments of beach and its responses to anthropogenic activities
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed vertical microplastic distribution in beach sediment cores at five sites, finding that accumulation patterns in deeper layers reflect historical changes in human activities and coastal management, with anthropogenic pressure intensity correlating with microplastic depth profiles.
Nowadays, people have known more about the distribution features on the surface of beaches. However, the understanding on the microplastics (Mps) distribution in the vertical direction on beaches is still lacking. This study analysed the vertical distribution of Mps from five beaches, with one long core [Shilaoren Beach (C1), 8 m] and four short cores [Aoshan Beach (C2); Liuqinghewan Beach (C3); Bathing Beach No. 3 (C4); and Golden Beach (C5); approximately 70 cm]. An increasing trend of Mps from bottom to top layers were observed with an average of 16.6 ± 4.8 Mps/25 g d.w. in C1. Conversely, a fluctuating trend was found in C2-C5, with an average Mps abundance on the 70 cm depth to be 6.7, 7.1, 11.1 and 7.0 Mps/25 g d.w., respectively. These Mps were mainly comprised of fibres (>98%) and few were fragments. Mps were not uniformly distributed within all cores, and this variation was due to changes in Mps sources, hydrodynamics and sedimentation process in the beach environment. Although the vertical accumulation of Mps is not as stable as the other sedimentary environments, it still presents the increasing trend in the 8-m core from the bottom to the top, which is consistent with the plastic production history in China since 1950. Therefore, the 8-m core has been deposited on the beach in the recent 70 years. Thus, this study provides a valuable example for tracing the sedimentation history on the beach, which can help in understanding the sediment deposit and transport processes with time on beaches.
More Papers Like This
Consequences of anthropogenic activities and beach dynamics on vertical distribution of microplastics in the mid-intertidal sediments of Donghai Island, China
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied the vertical distribution of microplastics in intertidal sediments on Donghai Island, China, finding that depth profiles were strongly influenced by beach dynamics and human activity patterns. Microplastics were concentrated in the upper sediment layers, with anthropogenic disturbance intensifying accumulation. The study establishes baseline data for coastal microplastic monitoring and management.
Microplastic Distribution at Different Sediment Depths in an Urban Estuary
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers sampled sediment cores from an urban estuary to map how microplastic particles are distributed at different depths over time. The study found that microplastic density varied with sediment depth, reflecting historical changes in plastic pollution and urban runoff.
Vertical distribution of microplastics in bay sediment reflecting effects of sedimentation dynamics and anthropogenic activities
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied the vertical distribution of microplastics in sediment cores from the semi-enclosed Jiaozhou Bay, China, finding six polymer types with distribution patterns reflecting historical changes in plastic production and local pollution sources. Sediment depth was found to correlate with the era of plastic contamination, providing a record of microplastic accumulation over time.
Diving into the Depths: Uncovering Microplastics in Norwegian Coastal Sediment Cores
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed microplastic vertical distribution in sediment cores from five sites along the Norwegian coast extending to Arctic waters, filling a gap in high-resolution depth profile data for European and Arctic sediments. Microplastics were found throughout core depths with concentrations generally increasing toward the surface in patterns reflecting historical plastic production growth.
Vertical distribution of microplastics in marine sediments
AI summary Read the abstract
Analysis of a 50 cm marine sediment core from an intertidal site revealed a complex vertical distribution of microplastics that did not simply increase with depth, suggesting that physical mixing and bioturbation redistribute particles after deposition. Marine sediments are considered a major long-term sink for microplastics, but these findings suggest the story is more complicated than simple accumulation over time. Understanding vertical distribution is important for reconstructing the history of plastic pollution and predicting future sediment contamination.
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.