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Occurrence of microplastics in the coastal marine environment: First observation on sediment of China
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This first study of microplastics in Chinese coastal sediments from the Beibu Gulf used fluorescence microscopy — an uncommon approach — to detect and count plastic particles. The results confirmed microplastic presence and demonstrated that fluorescence microscopy can complement conventional detection methods.
Microplastics in sediments from the Beibu Gulf and the coastline of China Sea were investigated to evaluate the occurrence and abundance of microplastics in China for the first time. Microplastics (<5mm) were taken from sediments by a flotation method. The number of microplastics was counted by a fluorescence microscope, an instrument that is rarely used in the detection of microplastics in sediments. This instrument led to results that were satisfactory. Compared with other sampled areas, microplastics were found in massive concentrations in China. Four types of microplastics, HDPE, PET, PE and PS, were identified. The results will provide useful background information for further investigations.
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Occurrence of Microplastic Pollution in the Beibu Gulf, the Northern South China Sea
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Researchers found microplastics in both surface water (0.67 items/m3) and sediment (4.33 items/kg dry weight) of the Beibu Gulf in the northern South China Sea, with polystyrene fragments dominating in seawater and a different polymer composition in sediment. The study characterized microplastic occurrence in a region with intensive fishery activity but relatively less economic development compared to other Chinese coastal areas.
Distribution and sources of microplastics in the Beibu Gulf using in-situ filtration technique
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Researchers used in-situ filtration to characterize microplastic distribution in the Beibu Gulf, finding an average of 0.25 items per cubic meter dominated by fibers and cellulose, with land-based inputs from textiles, packaging, fisheries, and mariculture as dominant sources.
[Distribution Characteristics of Microplastics in Qingdao Coastal Beaches].
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Researchers studied microplastic abundance, size distribution, shape, and polymer composition across four coastal beaches near Qingdao, China, using combined optical and fluorescence microscopy. The study documents spatial variation in microplastic pollution along this major Chinese coastline and highlights the potential for plastics to carry hazardous substances into marine food webs.
Microplastic prevalence in marine fish from onshore Beibu Gulf, South China Sea
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Researchers examined 271 fish across 32 species from the Beibu Gulf and found microplastics in the majority of samples, with fibers being the most common type and abundance varying by species, feeding habits, and habitat.
Underestimated Microplastic Pollution Derived from Fishery Activities and “Hidden” in Deep Sediment
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Scientists measured microplastics in deep sediments of the Beibu Gulf (China) and found that fishing-related activities — particularly concentrated in historical fishing grounds — left distinct microplastic signatures at depth, revealing a hidden fishery-derived plastic legacy in seafloor sediments.
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