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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastics as a novel carbon reservoir in surface water within a large estuary of Sundarbans mangrove
ClearMicroplastic characterization and factors influencing its abundance in coastal wetlands: insights from the world’s largest mangrove ecosystem, Sundarbans
Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove ecosystem, examining both water and sediment samples from 20 sites. They found microplastics at every location, with polystyrene being the most abundant polymer and fragments the most common shape. The study identified proximity to port activity and organic carbon levels as key factors influencing microplastic distribution, underscoring the vulnerability of this critical ecosystem.
Microplastics pollution load in Sundarban delta of Bay of Bengal
Researchers reviewed microplastic pollution in the Sundarban Delta of the Bay of Bengal, finding that approximately 4 million tonnes of microplastics are discharged annually into the region from rivers in India and Bangladesh. The study documented plastic accumulation in sediments, water, and aquatic organisms, with over 56 tons of plastic waste deposited after a single cyclone in 2020. The findings highlight the urgent need for stronger policy measures to protect the world's largest mangrove ecosystem from microplastic contamination.
Microplastics in surface water from a mighty subtropical estuary: First observations on occurrence, characterization, and contamination assessment
Researchers documented the first observations of microplastic contamination in surface waters of the Meghna estuary in Bangladesh, finding widespread pollution that poses risks to this ecologically and economically critical subtropical ecosystem.
Emergence of specialized plastic-degrading enzymes within highly dynamic coastal oceans
Researchers conducted long-term monitoring of microplastics in the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem and found high abundances linked to freshwater inflow patterns. Alongside microplastics, they identified nearly 750 plastic-degrading enzyme sequences in the microbial community, suggesting that this dynamic coastal ecosystem harbors specialized plastic-degrading microbiomes.
Impact of elevated environmental pollutants on carbon storage in mangrove wetlands: A comprehensive review
Researchers synthesized global studies on pollutant impacts in mangrove wetlands — which store about 10% of coastal ocean carbon — finding that microplastics reduce carbon stocks by 1-12% by impairing photosynthesis and destabilizing sediments, while heavy metals and oil spills compound the damage to these critical climate carbon sinks.
Spatiotemporal variations of microplastics in the surface sediments of a tropical mangrove ecosystem in south-western India
Researchers studied microplastic distribution in mangrove sediments along India's southwestern coast across different seasons and found contamination present year-round. Microplastic concentrations varied seasonally, with higher levels detected during certain periods linked to monsoon runoff and human activity. The study highlights that mangrove ecosystems, which provide critical environmental services, are accumulating microplastic pollution from surrounding areas.
Microplastics in coastal blue carbon ecosystems: A global Meta-analysis of its distribution, driving mechanisms, and potential risks
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.
World's Largest Mangrove Forest Becoming Plastic Cesspit
Researchers reported on accelerating plastic pollution in the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, documenting how the ecosystem is becoming a sink for plastic debris from surrounding human settlements and river systems.
Assessment of secondary microplastics trapped in mangrove ecosystem of a highly populated tropical megacity, India
Researchers quantified microplastic contamination in Mumbai's mangrove ecosystem across six zones and 30 sampling sites. They found an average of 6,730 microplastic particles per kilogram of dry sediment, dominated by fibers and polyethylene, with concentrations decreasing at greater sediment depths, highlighting the need for management policies to protect coastal environments.
Sediment Influx and Bioaccumulation: A Growing Threat to the Sundarbans Ecosystem
This paper examines sediment influx and microplastic bioaccumulation as growing threats to the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem, reviewing how pollution from surrounding urbanization and agriculture is degrading this UNESCO World Heritage site and its biodiversity.
Microplastic abundance in Surabaya mangrove areas during the wet season
Researchers assessed microplastic abundance in water and sediment samples from Wonorejo mangrove areas in Surabaya, Indonesia during the wet season in December 2021, examining both high-tide water samples and low-tide sediment samples to characterize microplastic accumulation in this urban mangrove ecosystem. The study provided wet-season baseline data on microplastic pollution in a mangrove system known to trap suspended particles and debris.
Microplastics in Singapore’s coastal mangrove ecosystems
Researchers sampled coastal mangrove ecosystems in Singapore and found microplastics throughout, demonstrating that mangrove habitats accumulate plastic pollution and raising concerns for the organisms that depend on these ecologically important coastal forests.
New Insights into the Microplastic Enrichment in the Blue Carbon Ecosystem: Evidence from Seagrass Meadows and Mangrove Forests in Coastal South China Sea
Researchers studied how seagrass meadows and mangrove forests in the South China Sea trap microplastics, finding enrichment of 1.3 to 17.6 times compared to unvegetated sites, with a strong positive correlation between microplastic abundance and organic carbon content (Pearson R = 0.86).
The seasonal variation and ecological risk of microplastics in the Lower Ganges River, Bangladesh
Researchers characterized seasonal variation in microplastic abundance and polymer composition in the lower Ganges River, finding that monsoon flows dramatically increase microplastic loads and that dry season concentrations reflect local urban pollution.
Seasonal variation of microplastics in tropical mangrove waters of South-western India
Researchers measured seasonal variations in microplastic contamination within tropical mangrove waters in South-Western India. They found that post-monsoon concentrations were highest at 1.42 microplastics per liter, while monsoon season had the lowest levels at 0.19 per liter. Fibers were the most common particle type, with polymers including polypropylene, PET, and polyethylene identified, likely originating from local tourism, aquaculture, and marine industries.
ACCUMULATION OF MICROPLASTICS (<300 µM) IN MANGROVE SEDIMENTS OF BANDA ACEH CITY, INDONESIA
Researchers measured microplastic accumulation in mangrove sediments in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, finding up to 3,840 particles per kilogram of sediment — with plastic pellets and fibers smaller than 300 micrometers being the most common types — suggesting these coastal ecosystems are acting as significant traps for plastic pollution from nearby land and waterways.
The dual role of coastal mangroves: Sinks and sources of microplastics in rapidly urbanizing areas
Researchers studied microplastic dynamics in mangrove ecosystems along two rivers and a coastal mangrove park in China's Pearl River Estuary. They found that mangroves play a dual role, acting as both sinks that trap microplastics and sources that release them back into the environment. The study highlights that rapid urbanization significantly increases microplastic loads in these sensitive coastal ecosystems.
Abundance of microplastics in a typical urban wetland in China: Association with occurrence and carbon storage
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.
Microplastics pollution in inland aquatic ecosystems of India with a global perspective on sources, composition, and spatial distribution
Researchers reviewed microplastic contamination in India's rivers, lakes, and wetlands, finding widespread pollution across water, sediment, and wildlife, with concentrations peaking during monsoon season due to runoff. The review highlights a critical gap: most studies don't account for how water flow and seasonal variation affect where microplastics go, making it hard to gauge the true health risk to people and ecosystems.
Abundance of Microplastics in Mangrove Sediments on Pari Island, Jakarta Bay, Indonesia
Researchers sampled mangrove sediments on Pari Island in Jakarta Bay in two seasons and identified microplastics by shape, color, size, and polymer type, finding that seasonal variation affected abundance and distribution. The study documents microplastic accumulation in a mangrove ecosystem adjacent to the Indonesian capital.
Contribution of Microplastics to Carbon Storage in Coastal Wetland Sediments
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.
Unveiling the impact of anthropogenic wastes on greenhouse gas emissions from the enigmatic mangroves of Indian Sundarban
Researchers developed a dynamic model to simulate greenhouse gas emissions (CO2, CH4, N2O) from Indian Sundarban mangroves under the influence of anthropogenic waste inputs including heavy metals and microplastics. Both heavy metals and microplastics were identified as significant drivers of elevated GHG emissions from mangrove soils, with CO2 being most sensitive to microplastic impact on microbial respiration.
Microplastic burial potential and ecological risks in mangrove forests of the Amazon River delta
Researchers studied how mangrove forests in the Amazon River delta trap and bury microplastics in their soil, analyzing sediment cores going back over a century. Microplastics were found in nearly all samples, including some deposited before the modern plastic era, suggesting redistribution through sediment movement. The study is the first to quantify the microplastic burial capacity of mangroves, showing these ecosystems act as long-term sinks for plastic pollution.
Assessing microplastic contamination levels in ghana's mangrove wetlands
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination levels in Ghana's mangrove wetlands, examining how the morphology of mangrove root systems traps and accumulates plastic particles of all sizes and assessing the threat posed to these ecologically critical coastal ecosystems.