Unveiling microplastic distribution and interactions in the benthic layer of the Yangtze River Estuary and East China Sea.

ABSTRACT: Microplastics (MPs), recognized as an emerging global environmental concern, have been extensively detected worldwide, with specific attention directed towards the Yangtze River Estuary (YRE) and East China Sea (ECS) regions. Despite their critical research significance, there remains a knowledge gap concerning the distribution of MPs in the benthic layer within this area, particularly regarding interactions governing their occurrence. Here we illuminate the distribution of MPs within the benthic layer and unravel the intricate interplay between bottom water and sediment in the YRE and ECS. We find that MPs are notably more abundant in bottom water, ranging from 8 to 175 times higher than in surface water. These MPs predominantly consist of polyester fibers, exhibit a size range between 0.

SUBMITTER: Ge X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10755717 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature