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Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Policy & Risk Sign in to save

Occurrence, characteristics and ecological risk assessment of microplastics in the surface water of the Central South China Sea

Marine Pollution Bulletin 2025 3 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 58 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Yongcheng Ding, Haoying Zeng, Teng Wang Yongcheng Ding, Teng Wang Teng Wang Teng Wang Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Haoying Zeng, Haoying Zeng, Haoying Zeng, Teng Wang Yongcheng Ding, Teng Wang Teng Wang Teng Wang Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Teng Wang Yongcheng Ding, Dongxiang Liu, Dongxiang Liu, Teng Wang Teng Wang Teng Wang Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Teng Wang Teng Wang Teng Wang Teng Wang Teng Wang Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Shuchen Liu, Dongxiang Liu, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Shuchen Liu, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Teng Wang Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Teng Wang Teng Wang Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Dongxiang Liu, Yongcheng Ding, Zeyuan Li, Zeyuan Li, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Teng Wang Teng Wang Yongcheng Ding, Teng Wang Yongcheng Ding, Teng Wang Yongcheng Ding, Teng Wang Yongcheng Ding, Teng Wang Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Teng Wang Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Teng Wang Yongcheng Ding, Yongcheng Ding, Teng Wang Teng Wang

Summary

Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in the central South China Sea and found concentrations ranging from 386 to over 4,200 particles per cubic meter of surface water, with much higher levels near the coast. The study revealed that conventional abundance-based risk assessments underestimate the true ecological danger because they overlook the specific toxicity of different plastic polymers. Polystyrene and PVC, though found in lower quantities, posed the highest ecological risk scores due to their greater toxicity.

Polymers
PE PET PS PVC
Study Type Environmental

Microplastic pollution poses serious threats in semi-enclosed marine ecosystems, yet comprehensive risk assessment frameworks are lacking for tropical seas. This study comprehensively investigated microplastic pollution dynamics and ecological risks in the central South China Sea through systematic sampling, polymer characterization, and environmental analysis. Quantitative analysis revealed significant spatial distribution differences in microplastic abundance (386-4254 items/m, mean 1198 ± 136.51 items/m), showing a pronounced nearshore-offshore gradient (nearshore Zone A: 1700 items/m vs. offshore Zone C: 740 items/m), primarily influenced by terrestrial inputs and monsoon-driven surface currents. Particle size analysis indicated 200-500 μm fraction dominance (30 %), while polymer composition analysis identified rayon (20.8 %) and polyethylene terephthalate (15.3 %) as major types, originating from municipal sewage fiber discharge and packaging material degradation, respectively. Pollution Risk Index (PRI) assessment showed the transition zone (Zone B, mean PRI: 4007.17) as a critical risk hotspot due to localized accumulation of low-content, high-toxicity polymers, particularly polystyrene (PRI: 10614) and polyvinyl chloride (PRI: 8518). The study demonstrates that conventional abundance-based assessments underestimate ecological risks by overlooking polymer-specific toxicity. Pollution severity is determined by toxicity rather than abundance. Recommendations include prioritizing polymer-specific monitoring protocols and enhancing wastewater treatment and regulatory controls in high-risk areas.

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