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Preliminary study of the source apportionment and diversity of microplastics: Taking floating microplastics in the South China Sea as an example
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Researchers developed a source-specific classification system for floating microplastics in the South China Sea, analyzing surface water samples to estimate contributions from different land-based and ocean-based sources. The work advances understanding of which human activities contribute most to microplastic pollution in this heavily trafficked sea.
At present, the study of microplastic sources is in a relatively preliminary stage due to the complexity of microplastic features in the environment. Based on a literature review, we developed a source-specific classification system for the quantitative analysis of microplastic sources. The classification system includes ten types of microplastics based on morphology and composition and can identify their main sources and the associated probabilities. To reflect the complexity of types and sources in the regional combination of microplastics, we first propose a microplastic diversity index (D'(MP)). We use the South China Sea as an example to carry out quantitative source analysis and calculate the diversity index. Eight types of microplastics were found, mainly consisting of maritime coatings (type "Gran_coat") (33.0%) and synthetic fibers (type "Fib_thin") (29.6%). We also found that the diversity increased with offshore distance. In addition, we partitioned surface microplastics globally according to a two-dimensional microplastic abundance-diversity index. We believe that these indicators can effectively reflect pollution status and ultimately lead to different types of control measures. In the future, additional indicators for the characterization of microplastics must be included in the classification system to establish a one-to-one source analysis system for microplastic characteristics and source apportionment. In general, our study may provide new insights into the establishment of more accurate and quantitative source apportionment techniques and effective pollution control.
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Researchers investigated microplastic distribution in the South China Sea and western Pacific Ocean, finding that different size classes reflect distinct sources and transport mechanisms, with higher concentrations in the northern South China Sea linked to riverine inputs.
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This review synthesizes data on microplastic distribution, sources, and sink dynamics across rivers, nearshore zones, and estuaries of the South China Sea, identifying river inputs, industrial discharge, aquaculture, and shipping as major pollution drivers. The findings are significant because the South China Sea's densely populated coastal margins represent a major pathway through which microplastics enter marine ecosystems and regional seafood supplies.
Occurrence of microplastics in the seawater and atmosphere of the South China Sea: Pollution patterns and interrelationship
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Researchers investigated microplastic pollution in both seawater and the atmosphere of the South China Sea, revealing distribution patterns and an interrelationship between marine and airborne microplastic contamination in the region.
Microplastic pollution in surface seawater of Sanggou Bay, China: Occurrence, source and inventory
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Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in the surface seawater of Sanggou Bay, China, finding average abundances of 20.06 items per litre dominated by polyethylene fragments smaller than 0.5 mm, and estimating that approximately 62.76% of the microplastic inventory originated from local aquaculture and fishing activities.
Delving into South China Sea microplastic pollution: Abundance, composition, and environmental risk
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Researchers characterized microplastic abundance, composition, and environmental risk across four typical islands in the South China Sea, filling a knowledge gap in a region of high ecological and fisheries importance. The study found significant microplastic contamination with polymer types and concentrations posing measurable ecological risk to the archipelago's marine ecosystems.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.