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Microplastics on the sea surface of the semi-closed Tokyo Bay
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Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in Tokyo Bay using neuston nets in May 2019 and January 2020, finding average abundances of 3.98 pieces per square metre with polyethylene fragments dominating, and identifying river inputs as the primary source based on matching seasonal abundance patterns between riverine and inner bay samples.
Microplastics (MPs) pollution surveys were conducted in Tokyo Bay using neuston nets (May 2019 and January 2020). Although the pollution level in Tokyo Bay was high (3.98 pcs/m, May), it was lower than reported in other semi-closed bays because of differences in the Enclosed Index. It was found that polyethylene fragments dominated the retrieved MPs; the mode of MPs size was 800 μm. As MPs abundance in rivers had the same seasonality as found in the inner bay, rivers were considered the main source of MPs. The seawater residence time is shorter than the time required for the density of MPs to become greater than that of seawater; therefore, it was considered that MPs are transported out of the bay instead of sinking. MPs were aggregated into a convergence zone by residual currents (the thermohaline front) in May (January). These findings will improve understanding of MPs pollution in other bays.
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Contamination of sea surface water offshore the Tokai region and Tokyo Bay in Japan by small microplastics
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Surface water off the Tokai region and within Tokyo Bay, Japan, was sampled with a nested net system distinguishing small microplastics (under 350 micrometers) from larger microplastics. Small microplastic concentrations were 20 to 60 times higher than larger ones, with concentrations up to 5,900 pieces per cubic meter in Tokyo Bay's inner waters.
Microplastic volumes in Tokyo Bay
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Researchers quantified microplastic volumes across multiple sites in Tokyo Bay, Japan, finding spatial variation linked to urban runoff and river inputs, with surface waters and sediments showing distinct accumulation patterns.
Comprehensive Understanding of Microplastics Inflow Off the Coast of Funabashi
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Researchers conducted continuous monitoring of microplastic (MP) contamination in rivers, sewage, and coastal waters around Funabashi in Tokyo Bay, finding that MP number densities showed high temporal variability and a gradual decreasing trend, with upstream river sources driving contamination that diminished toward the sea as particles settled into bottom sediments, while sewage was also implicated as a contributor to marine MP pollution.
Seasonal Changes in Drift Distribution of Microplastics on Ocean Surface Off Funahashi
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This Japanese study tracked seasonal changes in the distribution and concentration of microplastics floating on the surface of Tokyo Bay. Microplastic density increased with rainfall, suggesting that storm runoff from the surrounding urban area is a major source of marine microplastic inputs.
Microplastic abundance in the semi-enclosed Osaka Bay, Japan
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Researchers quantified microplastic abundance in the semi-enclosed Osaka Bay, Japan, finding elevated concentrations near river mouths and urban coastal zones, and characterizing dominant polymer types consistent with consumer plastics.
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.