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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Studying the Presence and Distribution of Microplastics in a Norfolk Salt Marsh
ClearRole of saltmarsh systems in estuarine trapping of microplastics
Researchers found that saltmarsh vegetation significantly enhances the trapping of microplastics in estuarine sediments compared to adjacent bare mudflats, suggesting that these coastal ecosystems act as important sinks for plastic pollution under tidal flow conditions.
Microplastic distribution characteristics and storage in a multi-species saltmarsh
This study examined how microplastics are distributed and stored in a multi-species saltmarsh ecosystem. Saltmarshes trapped significant quantities of plastic particles, acting as long-term sinks that expose the organisms living in these coastal habitats to ongoing plastic contamination.
Salt marshes as the final watershed fate for meso- and microplastic contamination: A case study from Southern Brazil
Researchers found that salt marshes act as significant sinks for meso- and microplastics transported through a watershed, with plastic particles accumulating in marsh sediments at densities reflecting upstream land use — highlighting salt marshes as both indicators of catchment-wide plastic pollution and potential long-term reservoirs.
The Role of Estuarine Wetlands (Saltmarshes) in Sediment Microplastics Retention
Researchers compared microplastic levels in vegetated saltmarsh sediments versus bare sediments in a Portuguese estuary and found that saltmarsh vegetation traps significantly more plastic particles. Fibers were the most common type of microplastic found, followed by fragments. The study suggests that coastal wetlands act as natural filters for microplastic pollution, which has implications for both conservation and pollution management.
Microplastics in saltmarshes: developing extraction methods and examining past accumulation
This thesis developed extraction methods for detecting microplastics in saltmarsh sediments and examined how these particles accumulate over time in coastal habitats. Saltmarshes act as natural filters and carbon stores, making their contamination by microplastics a concern for both ecosystem function and long-term pollution tracking.
Salt marsh sediments act as sinks for microplastics and reveal effects of current and historical land use changes
Researchers found that salt marsh sediments along the New England coast act as traps for microplastics, with levels rising sharply in more urbanized watersheds — and sediment cores show this buildup has been accelerating since the 1950s. The findings highlight coastal wetlands as important archives for tracking the history of plastic pollution.
What influences microplastic trapping in coastal marshes? Exploring vegetation diversity as a driver of accumulation
This study explored how the diversity of plant species in coastal marshes influences how many microplastics get trapped there, finding that vegetation composition is a meaningful driver of plastic accumulation. Coastal marshes act as natural filters catching plastic before it reaches the open ocean, so understanding what makes them more or less effective has implications for both conservation and plastic pollution management.
What influences microplastic trapping in coastal marshes? Exploring vegetation diversity as a driver of accumulation
This study explored how the diversity of plant species in coastal marshes influences how many microplastics get trapped there, finding that vegetation composition is a meaningful driver of plastic accumulation. Coastal marshes act as natural filters catching plastic before it reaches the open ocean, so understanding what makes them more or less effective has implications for both conservation and plastic pollution management.
Microplastic sequestration in saltmarsh sediments from Eastern Brazil
Researchers characterized microplastic accumulation in saltmarsh sediments from Todos os Santos Bay, Brazil, finding high sequestration rates in vegetated coastal zones. The results highlight saltmarshes as important hotspots for microplastic deposition in tropical coastal environments.
Microplastic sequestration in saltmarsh sediments from Eastern Brazil
Researchers examined microplastic sequestration in saltmarsh sediments from Todos os Santos Bay in eastern Brazil, a bay subject to substantial industrial and urban inputs. Saltmarsh sediments accumulated high concentrations of microplastics, functioning as long-term sinks for plastic pollution in this coastal ecosystem.
Identification of tidal trapping of microplastics in a temperate salt marsh system using sea surface microlayer sampling
Researchers used sea surface microlayer sampling to investigate tidal trapping of microplastics in a temperate salt marsh estuary, examining how the estuarine filter moderates land-to-sea microplastic transfer through vegetative trapping and particle flocculation. The study found that the sea surface microlayer captures microplastic-enriched material during tidal cycles, with salt marsh vegetation acting as a significant retention zone.
Species-specific plastic accumulation in the sediment and canopy of coastal vegetated habitats
A multi-habitat study of coastal vegetated areas in Portugal found that saltmarsh vegetation showed the strongest ability to trap macroplastics in sediment, while microplastics were distributed similarly across all habitat types. Subtidal habitats retained more microplastic fibers on their canopy than intertidal habitats, highlighting how plant structure and submersion depth influence plastic accumulation.
Trapping of microplastics and other anthropogenic particles in seagrass beds: Ubiquity across a vertical and horizontal sampling gradient
Researchers examined how seagrass beds trap microplastics and other anthropogenic particles by sampling along a vegetation cover gradient from dense beds to less vegetated patches. The study found that seagrass vegetation enhances the accumulation of plastic debris in both sediment and among plant structures. Evidence indicates that seagrass ecosystems act as significant sinks for microplastic pollution, with implications for the organisms that depend on these habitats.
Fate and Effects of Macro- and Microplastics in Coastal Wetlands
Researchers compiled data from 112 studies to evaluate how macro- and microplastics accumulate in and affect coastal wetlands including mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass beds. They found that plastic concentrations in wetland sediments and marine animals were roughly 200 times higher than in the water column, indicating these ecosystems act as major plastic sinks. The study warns that plastic accumulation can alter sediment properties, harm wildlife, and disrupt the carbon storage function of these critical habitats.
Distribution and retention of microplastics in plantation mangrove forest sediments
Researchers investigated the spatial distribution and retention of microplastics in sediments of plantation mangrove forests, finding that mangrove plantations act as effective sinks for microplastics transported by ocean tides, with particle size and shape influencing where plastics accumulate within the forest structure.
Microplastic contamination, comparative retention efficiency, and ecological hazard in saltmarsh, mangrove, sandy, and muddy habitats along the northern Bay of Bengal coast
Researchers compared microplastic contamination across four types of coastal habitats along the Bay of Bengal, including saltmarshes, mangroves, mudflats, and sandflats. They found that saltmarshes and mangroves retained significantly more microplastics than open sandy or muddy areas, acting as natural sinks for plastic pollution. The study highlights that these ecologically important habitats bear a disproportionate burden of microplastic accumulation, which may affect the organisms that depend on them.
A review on microplastics pollution in coastal wetlands
Researchers reviewed existing studies on microplastic pollution in coastal wetlands — ecosystems like mangroves, salt marshes, and tidal flats — summarizing where microplastics accumulate, how they get there, and how they affect wildlife and ecosystem function. These habitats are especially vulnerable because they sit at the boundary between land and sea, trapping plastics carried by both rivers and ocean tides.
A Temporal Investigation of Microplastics’ Distribution and Sediment Characteristics in Saltmarshes of the Adriatic Coast of Croatia
By analyzing sediment cores from two Croatian saltmarshes dating back to 1950, this study produced the first chronological record of microplastic accumulation in Mediterranean coastal wetlands. Microplastic concentrations rose sharply in surface layers closer to the present, with fibers dominating — likely from fishing and tourism activity. The findings confirm saltmarshes act as long-term sinks for microplastic pollution, trapping particles that may persist for decades and slowly re-enter the marine food web.
Seagrass beds acting as a trap of microplastics - Emerging hotspot in the coastal region?
Seagrass beds in coastal waters were found to trap and accumulate microplastics at higher concentrations than surrounding unvegetated sediments, acting as effective sinks for plastic particles due to their dense canopy structure. This positions seagrass meadows as emerging hotspots of microplastic contamination in coastal ecosystems.
Occurrence and spatial distribution of microplastics in sediments from Norderney
Researchers surveyed sediments from Norderney in the North Sea and found widespread microplastic contamination, documenting spatial distribution patterns and particle characteristics across this tidally influenced coastal environment.
From macroplastic to microplastic: Degradation of high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene in a salt marsh habitat
Researchers subjected high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and other plastics to simulated environmental degradation and tracked their fragmentation from macro- to microplastic sizes, characterizing surface changes and particle generation rates.
A critical synthesis of seagrass meadows as microplastic sinks: Current trends and research gaps
This systematic review of 84 studies finds that seagrass meadows act as natural traps for microplastics, accumulating higher concentrations in their sediments than surrounding areas. While this filtering role may protect open waters, it also means these important coastal ecosystems are bearing a disproportionate burden of plastic pollution.
The distribution and ecological effects of microplastics in an estuarine ecosystem
Researchers surveyed 22 intertidal sites and found that microplastic abundance, size, and diversity correlated with benthic microalgal communities and sediment biostabilization properties in an estuarine ecosystem.
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.