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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Biophysical interactions in coastal habitats
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.
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.
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.
Microplastic retention in marine vegetation canopies under breaking irregular waves
Lab wave-tank experiments showed that coastal vegetation like seagrass can trap microplastics, but the amount retained depends on wave energy, plant density, and how fast particles sink. Dense canopies are better at catching fast-sinking particles while lighter suspended particles can pass through more easily, a finding that helps scientists predict where microplastics accumulate in coastal habitats and where cleanup efforts should focus.
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.
Studying the Presence and Distribution of Microplastics in a Norfolk Salt Marsh
Researchers investigated the presence and distribution of microplastics in a Norfolk salt marsh, examining whether fundamental sedimentation processes and dense vegetation make salt marshes significant long-term sinks for microplastic accumulation in coastal environments.
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.
Interaction Between Microplastic Particles and Submerged Vegetation Canopies in Waves Plus Current Environments
Researchers experimentally examined how microplastic particles of varying size, shape, and density interact with submerged seagrass-like vegetation canopies under combined wave and current conditions, investigating how canopy structure modifies transport and accumulation patterns.
Plastic Pollution as a Driver of Seagrass Ecosystem Degradation: a Systematic Review of Impacts and Mitigation Approaches
This systematic review examines how plastic pollution threatens seagrass ecosystems, which are vital for carbon storage, coastal protection, and marine biodiversity. Microplastics and larger debris smother seagrass beds, block light, and introduce harmful chemicals into sediments. Losing these habitats has cascading effects on fish populations and the communities that depend on healthy coastal waters.
The role of seagrass meadows in the coastal trapping of litter
Researchers studied how seagrass meadows trap and accumulate non-floating marine litter, including microplastics, across six Posidonia oceanica meadows. The study found that litter accumulated mainly at the landside edge of the meadow, with macro-litter concentrations increasing threefold after heavy rainfall, suggesting seagrass plays an important role in coastal litter dynamics.
Distribution and retention efficiency of micro- and mesoplastics and heavy metals in mangrove, saltmarsh and cordgrass habitats along a subtropical coast.
Researchers evaluated micro- and mesoplastic contamination and heavy metal retention in mangrove, invasive Kikuyu grass, and salt marsh coastal habitats. Mangroves showed the highest retention efficiency for both plastics and heavy metals, underscoring their critical role as pollution buffers in coastal ecosystems.
Identifying patterns of microplastic accumulation in coastal vegetated habitats: A systematic review and meta-analysis
A meta-analysis of microplastic accumulation in coastal vegetated habitats found that mangroves have the highest microplastic concentrations compared to saltmarshes and seagrass beds, especially near urban centers and fishing zones. Nearly 40% of comparisons showed higher microplastic accumulation in vegetated versus unvegetated sites, with degraded habitats accumulating more plastics.
Anchor Forces on Coir-Based Artificial Seagrass Mats: Dependence on Wave Dynamics and Their Potential Use in Seagrass Restoration
Researchers measured the forces acting on coir-based artificial seagrass mats under different wave conditions to assess their use in seagrass habitat restoration. Understanding these physical forces is essential for designing more effective artificial structures that can support coastal ecosystem recovery.
Natural filters of marine microplastic pollution: implications for plants and submerged environments
Researchers reviewed how vegetated ecosystems — like wetlands and marshes — act as natural filters that trap microplastics before they flow into waterways, but found that these trapped particles can still harm soil health and plant growth by causing oxidative stress. The review highlights a critical gap: plants help protect aquatic environments from microplastic pollution while simultaneously being harmed by it themselves.
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.
Seagrass under siege: Investigating microplastic effects on seagrass ecosystems
Researchers reviewed the current evidence for microplastic effects on seagrass meadows, covering physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms of harm. The review found that microplastics impair seagrass photosynthesis, root function, and associated fauna, threatening these ecologically critical coastal habitats.
Effects of waves, burial depth and material density on microplastic retention in coastal sediments
Researchers demonstrated through field experiments in a mangrove habitat that stronger wave action removes more buried microplastics from coastal sediments, and that storms can disproportionately reduce microplastic retention, highlighting the role of physical disturbance in controlling microplastic accumulation.
The role of bio-geomorphic feedbacks in shaping microplastic burial in blue carbon habitats
Researchers conducted a year-round field study in a mangrove habitat along the South China coast to examine how bio-geomorphic feedbacks — the interactions between wave-damping vegetation, sediment accretion, and erosion — shape microplastic burial patterns. They found that microplastic abundance decreased significantly with increased cumulative sediment erosion as bio-geomorphic feedback strength declined, and that locations with weaker waves and less erosion contained greater diversity of microplastic shapes, colors, and larger average particle sizes.
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.
Integrated Effects of Site Hydrology and Vegetation on Exchange Fluxes and Nutrient Cycling at a Coastal Terrestrial-Aquatic Interface
This modeling study examined how soil hydrology and vegetation interact to control carbon and nutrient exchange at coastal land-water interfaces. These interface zones play an important role in trapping microplastics carried by tidal and freshwater flows, acting as natural filters for terrestrial plastic runoff.
Microplastics in the seagrass ecosystems: A critical review
This review critically assessed microplastic contamination in seagrass ecosystems worldwide, finding that these nearshore habitats accumulate significant plastic pollution due to their proximity to human activities and the trapping effect of submerged vegetation.
Seagrass under siege: Investigating microplastic effects on seagrass ecosystems
Researchers reviewed the effects of microplastics on seagrass meadows, which are ecologically critical habitats that also trap and accumulate particulate matter. Evidence suggests microplastics can impair seagrass growth, root function, and associated fauna in these vulnerable ecosystems.
Plastics and microplastics, effects on marine coastal areas: a review
This review examines how plastics and microplastics impact coastal marine ecosystems, covering their entry pathways, degradation under environmental conditions, and ecological effects on marine organisms.