Distribution pattern and influencing factors for the microplastics in continental shelf, slope, and deep-sea surface sediments from the South China Sea

Deep Sea Microplastic Pollution Extends Out to Sediments in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean Margins

“…The distribution of MPs at study sites that recorded relatively high levels in their upper sediment layers (20–35 MP kg –1 d.w.) may reflect the water current regimes as highlighted by Frias et al in a coastal embayment, Choudhary et al in the Krossfjord-Kongsfjord system, and Kane et al in a deep sea environment and is in line with Ding et al who concluded that the deep sea is largely influenced by the “microplastic-carrying effect” of bottom currents. The hydrodynamic regime at the Porcupine Seabight is dominated by the presence of Eastern North Atlantic Water (ENAW) and Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW) and is characterized by an abundance of turbidity currents, gravity flows, and bottom currents .…”

“…While the lack of replicates is a limitation to the study, the absence of previous research in the area makes all data collected crucial to establish offshore baseline data. Such is the variability of MP abundances recorded worldwide that the sediments in the Porcupine Seabight and environs while comparable to the majority of deep sea sediments, , with the exception of the high abundances recorded in areas of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Arctic, , and in the Mariana Trench are also comparable to some beaches, shallow coastal waters, wave and tidal shelves, and estuaries . Caution needs to be taken when making inferences where MP results have low abundances and/or no replicates.…”

Using Data-Driven Methods and Aging Information to Quantitatively Identify Microplastic Environmental Sources and Establish a Comprehensive Discrimination Index

“…Existing research on the source apportionment of MPs primarily focuses on their general characteristics, such as abundance, polymer types, colors, and shapes. − However, the aging characteristics of MPs have not been extensively studied. The aging processes of MPs vary due to differences in lighting, hydrobiological, and biological conditions in the environment, resulting in distinct aging characteristics. , These characteristics can reflect the interaction between MPs and specific environments and provide important supplements for the original traceability work.…”

Effect of microplastics on the binding properties of Pb(ii) onto dissolved organic matter: insights from fluorescence spectra and FTIR combined with two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy

“…17,18 MPs could be stable in aquatic environments for a long time owing to special characteristics (light weight, small particle sizes, strong hydrophobicity, variable density and large specific surface area). 19–21 Moreover, owing to these unique properties, MPs can sorb numerous pollutants ( e.g. , heavy metals 22–24 and organic pollutants 25,26 ) from the surrounding aquatic environments and act as carriers owing to their long-term transport in aquatic ecosystems, thereby resulting in even more significant hazards to organisms.…”

“…17,18 MPs could be stable in aquatic environments for a long time owing to special characteristics (light weight, small particle sizes, strong hydrophobicity, variable density and large specic surface area). [19][20][21] Moreover, owing to these unique properties, MPs can sorb numerous pollutants (e.g., heavy metals [22][23][24] and organic pollutants 25,26 ) from the surrounding aquatic environments and act as carriers owing to their long-term transport in aquatic ecosystems, thereby resulting in even more signicant hazards to organisms. 27 MPs in actual environments experience aging under the inuence of various factors, such as light and microorganisms, which may change the morphology and structure of MPs, thus affecting their environmental behaviors and interactions with pollutants.…”