Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026

Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis
Published on: December 16, 2016
Microplastics leaving a trace in mangrove sediments ever since they were first manufactured: A study from Indonesia
Muhammad Reza Cordova1, Yaya Ihya Ulumuddin1, Ali Arman Lubis2
1Research Center for Oceanography, The Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency, BRIN Kawasan Ancol Jl Pasir Putih 1, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia.
Abstract:
Mangrove environments have been well recognized as marine litter traps. However, it is unclear whether mangrove sediments sink microplastics more effectively than other marine sediments due to active sedimentation. Furthermore, microplastics archives in mangrove sediments may provide quantitative data on the impact of human activities on environmental pollution throughout history. Microplastic abundance varied markedly between high and low anthropogenic activities. Both mangrove and adjacent mudflats sediments act as microplastic sequesters, despite having similar microplastic abundances and depth profiles. The decreasing trend of microplastics was observed until the sediment layers dated to the first-time plastic was manufactured in Indonesia, in the early 1950s, but microplastics remained present beneath those layers, indicating the downward movements. This discovery highlighted the significance of mangrove sediments as microplastic sinks. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms of microplastic deposition in sediments, as well as their fate and potential impact on mangrove sediment dwellers.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Marine Microbial Ecology
Freshwater Microbial Ecology
Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons
Microbial Wastewater Treatment
Bioplastics
Microbial Bioremediation of Plastics

