Goodbye coastal ecosystems: the combined impact of microplastic pollution and floods caused by climate change is serious
An experiment simulates the cumulative effect of floods and microplastics pollution
The impact of floods due to climate change and microplastic pollution can be lethal to coastal ecosystems. A recent study published in Environmental Pollution examined the combination of these two factors on coastal plants to produce scenarios. The research, conducted by the University of Plymouth, found that these stressors negatively affect the growth and reproductive capacity of vegetation on the coasts. In particular, they found that the most at-risk variety is the plantation (Plantago coronopus), a common species in sandy and muddy environments.
Microplastics in the soil have shown a significant impact on plant reproduction. Instead, floods in the sea have damaged plant tissues. Simultaneous exposure to both factors had more severe effects, altering plant growth and temporarily suppressing photosynthetic efficiency. This deterioration of conditions reduces the ability of plants to absorb water, nutrients, and sunlight, compromising the health of coastal ecosystems.
Conventional or organic microplastics, the problem remains
The researchers point out that combining microplastics and marine floods should not be underestimated. Both phenomena are expected to increase, posing significant threats to the resilience of coastal ecosystems. Microplastic pollution, according to the researchers, can therefore have an even more devastating impact if combined with other environmental factors. Experts also point out that the problem is the same whether the micro-fragments are conventional plastics or bioplastics.
The plants were grown in soil containing conventional or biodegradable plastics for 35 days. Then, they were submerged in sea water for 72 hours. The experiment reproduced the type of flooding increasingly associated with coastal storms and tides. The plants were then grown for another 24 days, during which time scientists monitored survival and other factors, such as size, photosynthetic efficiency, and flower production.
