We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Contribution of Microplastics to Carbon Storage in Coastal Wetland Sediments
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastic occurrence was measured in coastal sediments across different habitat types in Hong Kong, and the carbon content of the particles was used to estimate that microplastics represent a small but measurable contribution to the organic carbon stock in coastal wetland sediments.
The ubiquitous occurrence of microplastics in coastal habitats is widely reported. As an anthropogenic material with high carbon content, the contribution of microplastics to the coastal sediment carbon stock is still unassessed. Here, we report the occurrence pattern of microplastics (20–2000 μm) and estimate their contribution to the carbon stock in different coastal sediments in Hong Kong, a metropolis in the Pearl River estuary and part of the Greater Bay Area with a population of 70 million. Our data reveal that microplastics are more concentrated in the surface sediment and in vegetated coastal sediments. We also estimate that at present carbon from microplastics contributes between 0.001% and 1.197% to the sediment carbon pool at different depths. Despite the low contribution, microplastics have already made a hidden contribution to the coastal sediment carbon stock. Our data help to establish a baseline for future contributions of microplastics to total carbon storage in peri-urban coastal sediments.
More Papers Like This
Abundance of microplastics in a typical urban wetland in China: Association with occurrence and carbon storage
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic contamination in a Chinese urban wetland and estimated how much carbon the plastic particles contribute to the ecosystem. While microplastic-carbon currently makes up less than 0.3% of total organic carbon in the wetland, projections suggest this could rise to over 4% by 2100 if plastic production trends continue. The study highlights that microplastics are not just pollutants but are also subtly altering the carbon balance of ecosystems.
Enhanced Microplastic Burial in China’s Coastal Blue Carbon Ecosystems: Drivers and Potential Roles in Climate Change Mitigation
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic stocks in coastal blue carbon ecosystems along the Chinese coastline and found that these environments significantly enhance the trapping and burial of microplastic particles in sediments. Microplastic-derived carbon storage ranged from 0.01 to 104.4 kg of carbon per hectare across the study sites. The study suggests that while blue carbon ecosystems act as sinks for microplastic pollution, this buried plastic carbon may need to be accounted for in coastal carbon budget assessments.
Fate and Effects of Macro- and Microplastics in Coastal Wetlands
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compiled data from 112 studies to evaluate how macro- and microplastics accumulate in and affect coastal wetlands including mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass beds. They found that plastic concentrations in wetland sediments and marine animals were roughly 200 times higher than in the water column, indicating these ecosystems act as major plastic sinks. The study warns that plastic accumulation can alter sediment properties, harm wildlife, and disrupt the carbon storage function of these critical habitats.
Microplastics in coastal blue carbon ecosystems: A global Meta-analysis of its distribution, driving mechanisms, and potential risks
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastic abundance in blue carbon ecosystems showed the highest concentrations in Asia, especially South and Southeast Asia, with distribution influenced by vegetation habitat, climate, and river runoff. Large fish showed significant microplastic accumulation, and the effect of microplastics on sediment organic carbon varied by ecosystem type, challenging the assumption that microplastics increase carbon sequestration.
Microplastics distribution in different habitats of Ximen Island and the trapping effect of blue carbon habitats on microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed microplastic distribution across five coastal ecosystems on Ximen Island and found that blue carbon habitats such as mangroves and saltmarshes act as significant traps for microplastics, concentrating them in sediments over time.
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.