Spatiotemporal Distribution and Source of Microplastics on Korean Sand Beaches

Abstract

Microplastics are widespread and ubiquitous in the marine environment. Especially, beach is the most important location of microplastics accumulation. In addition, it is known that a beach provides good natural weathering condition to the marine plastic debris. Contamination level of microplastics in various marine compartments were widely reported in the world [1], but nationwide assessment of microplastic pollution was limited. Spatiotemporal distribution of microplastics can be resulted from a variety of environmental and anthropogenic factors. However, major factors influencing on pollution levels and spatiotemporal distribution of microplastics on beach is still unclear. Spatial distribution within a beach is not well addressed yet, either. The spatiotemporal distribution and composition of microplastics were investigated in sands collected from twenty beaches along the coast of Korea for better understanding of (1) spatial distribution of microplastics within a beach. (2) temporal change of their abundances before and after rainy season. (3) relationship of microplastic abundance with environmental and potential source related factors.arine plastic debris. Contamination level of microplastics in various marine compartments were widely reported in the world [1], but nationwide assessment of microplastic pollution was limited. Spatiotemporal distribution of microplastics can be resulted from a variety of environmental and anthropogenic factors. However, major factors influencing on pollution levels and spatiotemporal distribution of microplastics on beach is still unclear. Spatial distribution within a beach is not well addressed yet, either. The spatiotemporal distribution and composition of microplastics were investigated in sands collected from twenty beaches along the coast of Korea for better understanding of (1) spatial distribution of microplastics within a beach. (2) temporal change of their abundances before and after rainy season. (3) relationship of microplastic abundance with environmental and potential source related factors.