Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 13, 2025
10:16
Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis
Published on: December 16, 2016
50.3K
Microplastic pollution and quantitative source apportionment in the Jiangsu coastal area, China
Teng Wang1, Baojie Li2, Wenwen Yu3
1Key Laboratory of Marine Hazards Forecasting, Ministry of Natural Resources, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China.
Marine Pollution Bulletin
|March 12, 2021
Summary
Microplastic pollution in China
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Marine Biology
- Pollution Studies
Background:
- Microplastic pollution is a growing global concern.
- Understanding the distribution and sources of microplastics is crucial for effective mitigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate microplastic pollution characteristics in the Jiangsu Coastal Area.
- To analyze spatial distribution patterns and identify sources of microplastics.
Main Methods:
- Sampling of surface water and sediment.
- Quantification of microplastic abundance and types.
- Source apportionment analysis using microplastic data.
Main Results:
- Average microplastic abundance: 0.0998 items/m³ (surface water) and 0.1858 items/g (sediment).
- Concentrations were higher nearshore and in the southernmost region.
- Clothing fibers were the primary source in northern and southern areas; plastic waste decomposition dominated the middle region.
Conclusions:
- Microplastic pollution in the Jiangsu Coastal Area exhibits distinct spatial patterns.
- Different regions are impacted by different primary microplastic sources.
- Targeted control measures are needed based on regional pollution characteristics and sources.
