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Microplastics in equatorial coasts: Pollution hotspots and spatiotemporal variations associated with tropical monsoons
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Researchers systematically quantified microplastic pollution in beaches and mangroves across equatorial Singapore and found that seasonal monsoon patterns strongly influenced contamination levels. Wind speed was positively correlated with microplastic abundance, suggesting transboundary transport of particles, while rainfall appeared to wash surface microplastics away. The study found that coastal microplastic concentrations in Singapore have increased by two orders of magnitude since 2014, with mangroves acting as effective accumulation hotspots.
Microplastics (MP < 5 mm) are eroding oceanic health and coastal development at a planetary scale. Coastlines in Southeast Asia (SEA) are plagued with plastic litters, but how MP are dispersed within SEA region is poorly understood, which can vary dramatically under the tropical climate. We systematically quantified MP in equatorial Singapore, to assess how prevailing Monsoons and other factors impact MP distributions in beaches and mangroves. Data highlighted spatial preponderance differed broadly by seasons (p < 0.05) and were strongly modulated by wind speediness (p < 0.05; r = 0.6-0.7) and promoted transboundary migrations of MP. Conversely, an inverse relationship existed between sediment MP and rainfall (r = -0.54) possibly due to re-entrainment of surficial MP. Elevated concentrations in mangrove's compartments (p < 0.05) suggest effective repository hotspots. Coastal MP consisted assorted morphologies and commonest polymers including 34% polypropylene (PP), 26% polyethelene (PE), and 23% Low Density PE. Further comparisons revealed coastal MP in Singapore accelerated by two orders of magnitude since 2014, implying cumulative pollution which is not reversible. We synthesized the first seasonal coastal MP report in SEA which is useful for source apportionment, prediction study, and mitigation planning under tropical circumstances.
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Atmospheric microplastic transport and deposition to urban and pristine tropical locations in Southeast Asia
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Researchers measured atmospheric microplastic deposition at urban and pristine sites in Malaysia across two monsoon seasons and found microplastics at all locations, including a remote tropical forest. Deposition rates ranged from 114 to 689 particles per square meter per day, with monsoon wind patterns influencing the transport of particles over long distances. The study demonstrates that atmospheric transport is a significant pathway for spreading microplastic contamination to even remote ecosystems in Southeast Asia.
Spatiotemporal variations of microplastics in the surface sediments of a tropical mangrove ecosystem in south-western India
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Researchers studied microplastic distribution in mangrove sediments along India's southwestern coast across different seasons and found contamination present year-round. Microplastic concentrations varied seasonally, with higher levels detected during certain periods linked to monsoon runoff and human activity. The study highlights that mangrove ecosystems, which provide critical environmental services, are accumulating microplastic pollution from surrounding areas.
Microplastic in atmospheric fallouts of a developing Southeast Asian megacity under tropical climate
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A year-long monitoring study of atmospheric microplastic fallout in a Southeast Asian megacity found deposition rates of 71–917 items/m²/day dominated by fibers, with no significant correlation with rainfall or wind — contrary to patterns seen in temperate climate studies.
Seasonal variation of microplastics in tropical mangrove waters of South-western India
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Researchers measured seasonal variations in microplastic contamination within tropical mangrove waters in South-Western India. They found that post-monsoon concentrations were highest at 1.42 microplastics per liter, while monsoon season had the lowest levels at 0.19 per liter. Fibers were the most common particle type, with polymers including polypropylene, PET, and polyethylene identified, likely originating from local tourism, aquaculture, and marine industries.
Microplastics in Singapore’s coastal mangrove ecosystems
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Researchers sampled coastal mangrove ecosystems in Singapore and found microplastics throughout, demonstrating that mangrove habitats accumulate plastic pollution and raising concerns for the organisms that depend on these ecologically important coastal forests.
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.