Register      Login
Marine and Freshwater Research Marine and Freshwater Research Society
Advances in the aquatic sciences
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Leaf morphology affects microplastic entrapment efficiency in freshwater macrophytes

Joel W. Q. Tan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8761-2557 A * , Ray J. Tong https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7483-9111 A , Z. Tang https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7027-3592 A , Colin Z. D. Lee https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0591-3127 A , Clara L. X. Yong https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4391-6647 A and Peter A. Todd https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5150-9323 A *
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Experimental Marine Ecology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117558, Singapore.


Handling Editor: Susanne Schneider

Marine and Freshwater Research 74(7) 641-650 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF22149
Submitted: 1 November 2022  Accepted: 3 March 2023   Published: 31 March 2023

© 2023 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing

Abstract

Context: In contrast to marine environments, microplastic pollution in freshwater systems is understudied. Previous research suggests that freshwater macrophytes function as microplastic sinks, which, because they are at the base of food webs, has implications for higher trophic levels.

Aim: This study compares the ability of freshwater plants with different leaf morphologies to trap downwelling microplastics.

Method: Microplastics (800–1000 μm polyamide grains) were deposited onto three macrophyte species, namely, Cabomba caroliniana, Egeria densa, and Hygrophila polysperma. Microplastic mass retained was calculated as the percentage of microplastic mass captured by the plant and standardised microplastic retention was calculated as the absolute microplastic mass retained (g) divided by plant dry mass (g).

Results: The amount of trapped microplastics differed significantly among species, with the highest amount trapped by C. caroliniana (39.3%; 7.91 g g−1), followed by E. densa (28.8%; 5.30 g g−1) and H. polysperma (17.6%; 4.47 g g−1).

Conclusion: Significant differences in microplastic retention among species may be attributed to variation in leaf morphology.

Implications: These findings have potential applications in bioremediation and biomonitoring, where freshwater macrophytes could help with the tracking and mitigation of microplastics in the environment.

Keywords: architectural complexity, biomonitoring, bioremediation, marine litter, microplastic retention, particle accumulation, plastic pollution, vegetated habitats.


References

Au, SY, Bruce, TF, Bridges, WC, and Klaine, SJ (2015). Responses of Hyalella azteca to acute and chronic microplastic exposures. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 34, 2564–2572.
Responses of Hyalella azteca to acute and chronic microplastic exposures.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Avio, CG, Gorbi, S, and Regoli, F (2017). Plastics and microplastics in the oceans: from emerging pollutants to emerged threat. Marine Environmental Research 128, 2–11.
Plastics and microplastics in the oceans: from emerging pollutants to emerged threat.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ballent, A, Corcoran, PL, Madden, O, Helm, PA, and Longstaffe, FJ (2016). Sources and sinks of microplastics in Canadian Lake Ontario nearshore, tributary and beach sediments. Marine Pollution Bulletin 110, 383–395.
Sources and sinks of microplastics in Canadian Lake Ontario nearshore, tributary and beach sediments.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bhattacharya, P, Lin, S, Turner, JP, and Ke, PC (2010). Physical adsorption of charged plastic nanoparticles affects algal photosynthesis. The Journal of Physical Chemistry C 114, 16556–16561.
Physical adsorption of charged plastic nanoparticles affects algal photosynthesis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Browne, MA, Galloway, T, and Thompson, R (2007). Microplastic – an emerging contaminant of potential concern? Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management 3, 559–561.
Microplastic – an emerging contaminant of potential concern?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Carr, SA, Liu, J, and Tesoro, AG (2016). Transport and fate of microplastic particles in wastewater treatment plants. Water Research 91, 174–182.
Transport and fate of microplastic particles in wastewater treatment plants.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cera, A, Cesarini, G, and Scalici, M (2020). Microplastics in freshwater: what is the news from the world? Diversity 12, 276.
Microplastics in freshwater: what is the news from the world?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Chubarenko, I, Bagaev, A, Zobkov, M, and Esiukova, E (2016). On some physical and dynamical properties of microplastic particles in marine environment. Marine Pollution Bulletin 108, 105–112.
On some physical and dynamical properties of microplastic particles in marine environment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cole, M, Lindeque, P, Halsband, C, and Galloway, TS (2011). Microplastics as contaminants in the marine environment: a review. Marine Pollution Bulletin 62, 2588–2597.
Microplastics as contaminants in the marine environment: a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cook, CDK, and Urmi-König, K (1984). A revision of the genus Egeria (hydrocharitaceae). Aquatic Botany 19, 73–96.
A revision of the genus Egeria (hydrocharitaceae).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cozzolino, L, Nicastro, KR, Zardi, GI, and de los Santos, CB (2020). Species-specific plastic accumulation in the sediment and canopy of coastal vegetated habitats. Science of The Total Environment 723, 138018.
Species-specific plastic accumulation in the sediment and canopy of coastal vegetated habitats.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Critchell, K, and Lambrechts, J (2016). Modelling accumulation of marine plastics in the coastal zone; what are the dominant physical processes? Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 171, 111–122.
Modelling accumulation of marine plastics in the coastal zone; what are the dominant physical processes?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

de los Carmen, B, Krång, A-S, and Infantes, E (2021). Microplastic retention by marine vegetated canopies: simulations with seagrass meadows in a hydraulic flume. Environmental Pollution 269, 116050.
Microplastic retention by marine vegetated canopies: simulations with seagrass meadows in a hydraulic flume.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

de Smit, JC, Anton, A, Martin, C, Rossbach, S, Bouma, TJ, and Duarte, CM (2021). Habitat-forming species trap microplastics into coastal sediment sinks. Science of The Total Environment 772, 145520.
Habitat-forming species trap microplastics into coastal sediment sinks.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

De Sá, LC, Oliveira, M, Ribeiro, F, Rocha, TL, and Futter, MN (2018). Studies of the effects of microplastics on aquatic organisms: what do we know and where should we focus our efforts in the future? Science of The Total Environment 645, 1029–1039.
Studies of the effects of microplastics on aquatic organisms: what do we know and where should we focus our efforts in the future?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dovidat, LC, Brinkmann, BW, Vijver, MG, and Bosker, T (2020). Plastic particles adsorb to the roots of freshwater vascular plant Spirodela polyrhiza but do not impair growth. Limnology and Oceanography Letters 5, 37–45.
Plastic particles adsorb to the roots of freshwater vascular plant Spirodela polyrhiza but do not impair growth.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dzierżanowski, K, and Gawroński, SW (2011). Use of trees for reducing particulate matter pollution in air. Challenges of Modern Technology 2, 69–73.

Ekperusi, AO, Sikoki, FD, and Nwachukwu, EO (2019). Application of common duckweed (Lemna minor) in phytoremediation of chemicals in the environment: state and future perspective. Chemosphere 223, 285–309.
Application of common duckweed (Lemna minor) in phytoremediation of chemicals in the environment: state and future perspective.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Facchetti, SV, La Spina, R, Fumagalli, F, Riccardi, N, Gilliland, D, and Ponti, J (2020). Detection of metal-doped fluorescent PVC microplastics in freshwater mussels. Nanomaterials 10, 2363.
Detection of metal-doped fluorescent PVC microplastics in freshwater mussels.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Feng, Z, Zhang, T, Shi, H, Gao, K, Huang, W, Xu, J, Wang, J, Wang, R, Li, J, and Gao, G (2020). Microplastics in bloom-forming macroalgae: distribution, characteristics and impacts. Journal of Hazardous Materials 397, 122752.
Microplastics in bloom-forming macroalgae: distribution, characteristics and impacts.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Flores-Rojas, NC, and Esterhuizen, M (2020). Uptake and effects of cylindrospermopsin: biochemical, physiological and biometric responses in the submerged macrophyte Egeria densa Planch. Water 12, 2997.
Uptake and effects of cylindrospermopsin: biochemical, physiological and biometric responses in the submerged macrophyte Egeria densa Planch.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Fox J, Weisberg S (2019) ‘An {r} companion to applied regression.’ 3rd edn. (Sage: Thousand Oaks, CA, USA)

Gabka, M, and Owsianny, PM (2009). First records of the Hygrophila polysperma (Roxb.) T.Anderson (Acanthaceae) in Poland. Roczniki Akademii Rolniczej w Poznaniu. Botanika-Steciana 13, 9–14.

Galafassi, S, Campanale, C, Massarelli, C, Uricchio, VF, and Volta, P (2021). Do freshwater fish eat microplastics? A review with a focus on effects on fish health and predictive traits of MPs ingestion. Water 13, 2214.
Do freshwater fish eat microplastics? A review with a focus on effects on fish health and predictive traits of MPs ingestion.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Goss, H, Jaskiel, J, and Rotjan, R (2018). Thalassia testudinum as a potential vector for incorporating microplastics into benthic marine food webs. Marine Pollution Bulletin 135, 1085–1089.
Thalassia testudinum as a potential vector for incorporating microplastics into benthic marine food webs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gutow, L, Eckerlebe, A, Giménez, L, and Saborowski, R (2016). Experimental evaluation of seaweeds as a vector for microplastics into marine food webs. Environmental Science & Technology 50, 915–923.
Experimental evaluation of seaweeds as a vector for microplastics into marine food webs.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hendriks, IE, Sintes, T, Bouma, TJ, and Duarte, CM (2008). Experimental assessment and modeling evaluation of the effects of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica on flow and particle trapping. Marine Ecology Progress Series 356, 163–173.
Experimental assessment and modeling evaluation of the effects of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica on flow and particle trapping.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hendriks, IE, Bouma, TJ, Morris, EP, and Duarte, CM (2010). Effects of seagrasses and algae of the Caulerpa family on hydrodynamics and particle-trapping rates. Marine Biology 157, 473–481.
Effects of seagrasses and algae of the Caulerpa family on hydrodynamics and particle-trapping rates.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Horton, AA, Walton, A, Spurgeon, DJ, Lahive, E, and Svendsen, C (2017). Microplastics in freshwater and terrestrial environments: evaluating the current understanding to identify the knowledge gaps and future research priorities. Science of The Total Environment 586, 127–141.
Microplastics in freshwater and terrestrial environments: evaluating the current understanding to identify the knowledge gaps and future research priorities.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kalčíková, G (2020). Aquatic vascular plants – a forgotten piece of nature in microplastic research. Environmental Pollution 262, 114354.
Aquatic vascular plants – a forgotten piece of nature in microplastic research.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kalčíková, G, Žgajnar Gotvajn, A, Kladnik, A, and Jemec, A (2017). Impact of polyethylene microbeads on the floating freshwater plant duckweed Lemna minor. Environmental Pollution 230, 1108–1115.
Impact of polyethylene microbeads on the floating freshwater plant duckweed Lemna minor.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Li, B, Liang, W, Liu, Q-X, Fu, S, Ma, C, Chen, Q, Su, L, Craig, NJ, and Shi, H (2021). Fish ingest microplastics unintentionally. Environmental Science & Technology 55, 10471–10479.
Fish ingest microplastics unintentionally.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lima, CTd, Santos, FdARd, and Giulietti, AM (2014). Morphological strategies of Cabomba (Cabombaceae), a genus of aquatic plants. Acta Botanica Brasilica 28, 327–338.
Morphological strategies of Cabomba (Cabombaceae), a genus of aquatic plants.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mangiafico SS (2016) ‘Summary and analysis of extension program evaluation in R, version 1.13.1.’ (Rutgers Cooperative Extension: New Brunswick, NJ, USA)

Mason, SA, Garneau, D, Sutton, R, Chu, Y, Ehmann, K, Barnes, J, Fink, P, Papazissimos, D, and Rogers, DL (2016). Microplastic pollution is widely detected in US municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent. Environmental Pollution 218, 1045–1054.
Microplastic pollution is widely detected in US municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mateos-Cárdenas, A, Scott, DT, Seitmaganbetova, G, van Pelt, FNAM, and Jansen, MAK (2019). Polyethylene microplastics adhere to Lemna minor (L.), yet have no effects on plant growth or feeding by Gammarus duebeni (Lillj.). Science of The Total Environment 689, 413–421.
Polyethylene microplastics adhere to Lemna minor (L.), yet have no effects on plant growth or feeding by Gammarus duebeni (Lillj.).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mateos-Cárdenas A, Jansen ARJ, O’Halloran J, van Pelt FNAM, Jansen MA (2021a) Impacts of microplastics in the Irish freshwater environment. Research Report 377. Environmental Protection Agency Ireland.

Mateos-Cárdenas, A, van Pelt, FNAM, O’Halloran, J, and Jansen, MAK (2021b). Adsorption, uptake and toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics: effects on terrestrial plants and aquatic macrophytes. Environmental Pollution , 117183.
Adsorption, uptake and toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics: effects on terrestrial plants and aquatic macrophytes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Núñez, P, García, A, Mazarrasa, I, Juanes, JA, Abascal, AJ, Méndez, F, Castanedo, S, and Medina, R (2019). A methodology to assess the probability of marine litter accumulation in estuaries. Marine Pollution Bulletin 144, 309–324.
A methodology to assess the probability of marine litter accumulation in estuaries.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Peller, J, Nevers, MB, Byappanahalli, M, Nelson, C, Ganesh Babu, B, Evans, MA, Kostelnik, E, Keller, M, Johnston, J, and Shidler, S (2021). Sequestration of microfibers and other microplastics by green algae, Cladophora, in the US Great Lakes. Environmental Pollution 276, 116695.
Sequestration of microfibers and other microplastics by green algae, Cladophora, in the US Great Lakes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Popek, R, Gawrońska, H, Wrochna, M, Gawroński, SW, and Sæbø, A (2013). Particulate matter on foliage of 13 woody species: deposition on surfaces and phytostabilisation in waxes – a 3-year study. International Journal of Phytoremediation 15, 245–256.
Particulate matter on foliage of 13 woody species: deposition on surfaces and phytostabilisation in waxes – a 3-year study.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

R Core Team (2021) ‘R: a language and environment for statistical computing.’ (R Foundation for Statistical Computing: Vienna, Austria) Available at https://www.R-project.org/

Rehse, S, Kloas, W, and Zarfl, C (2018). Microplastics reduce short-term effects of environmental contaminants. Part I: effects of bisphenol A on freshwater zooplankton are lower in presence of polyamide particles. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15, 280.
Microplastics reduce short-term effects of environmental contaminants. Part I: effects of bisphenol A on freshwater zooplankton are lower in presence of polyamide particles.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Rixon, CAM, Duggan, IC, Bergeron, NMN, Ricciardi, A, and Macisaac, HJ (2005). Invasion risks posed by the aquarium trade and live fish markets on the Laurentian Great Lakes. Biodiversity & Conservation 14, 1365–1381.
Invasion risks posed by the aquarium trade and live fish markets on the Laurentian Great Lakes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Roberts, J, and Florentine, S (2022). A global review of the invasive aquatic weed Cabomba caroliniana [A. Gray] (Carolina fanwort): current and future management challenges, and research gaps. Weed Research 62, 75–84.
A global review of the invasive aquatic weed Cabomba caroliniana [A. Gray] (Carolina fanwort): current and future management challenges, and research gaps.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Rovira, A, Alcaraz, C, and Trobajo, R (2016). Effects of plant architecture and water velocity on sediment retention by submerged macrophytes. Freshwater Biology 61, 758–768.
Effects of plant architecture and water velocity on sediment retention by submerged macrophytes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sæbø, A, Popek, R, Nawrot, B, Hanslin, HM, Gawronska, H, and Gawronski, SW (2012). Plant species differences in particulate matter accumulation on leaf surfaces. Science of the Total Environment 427–428, 347–354.
Plant species differences in particulate matter accumulation on leaf surfaces.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sánchez-López, AS, Carrillo-González, R, González-Chávez, MdCA, Rosas-Saito, GH, and Vangronsveld, J (2015). Phytobarriers: plants capture particles containing potentially toxic elements originating from mine tailings in semiarid regions. Environmental Pollution 205, 33–42.
Phytobarriers: plants capture particles containing potentially toxic elements originating from mine tailings in semiarid regions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Schaffelke, B (1999). Particulate organic matter as an alternative nutrient source for tropical Sargassum species (Fucales, Phaeophyceae). Journal of Phycology 35, 1150–1157.
Particulate organic matter as an alternative nutrient source for tropical Sargassum species (Fucales, Phaeophyceae).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Scherer, C, Brennholt, N, Reifferscheid, G, and Wagner, M (2017). Feeding type and development drive the ingestion of microplastics by freshwater invertebrates. Scientific Reports 7, 17006.
Feeding type and development drive the ingestion of microplastics by freshwater invertebrates.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Schneider, CA, Rasband, WS, and Eliceiri, KW (2012). NIH Image to ImageJ: 25 years of image analysis. Nature Methods 9, 671–675.
NIH Image to ImageJ: 25 years of image analysis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Singh, B, and Sharma, N (2008). Mechanistic implications of plastic degradation. Polymer Degradation and Stability 93, 561–584.
Mechanistic implications of plastic degradation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sundbæk, KB, Koch, IDW, Villaro, CG, Rasmussen, NS, Holdt, SL, and Hartmann, NB (2018). Sorption of fluorescent polystyrene microplastic particles to edible seaweed Fucus vesiculosus. Journal of Applied Phycology 30, 2923–2927.
Sorption of fluorescent polystyrene microplastic particles to edible seaweed Fucus vesiculosus.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Teuten, EL, Rowland, SJ, Galloway, TS, and Thompson, RC (2007). Potential for plastics to transport hydrophobic contaminants. Environmental Science & Technology 41, 7759–7764.
Potential for plastics to transport hydrophobic contaminants.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Teuten, EL, Saquing, JM, Knappe, DRU, Barlaz, MA, Jonsson, S, Björn, A, Rowland, SJ, Thompson, RC, Galloway, TS, Yamashita, R, Ochi, D, Watanuki, Y, Moore, C, Viet, PH, Tana, TS, Prudente, M, Boonyatumanond, R, Zakaria, MP, Akkhavong, K, Ogata, Y, Hirai, H, Iwasa, S, Mizukawa, K, Hagino, Y, Imamura, A, Saha, M, and Takada, H (2009). Transport and release of chemicals from plastics to the environment and to wildlife. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 364, 2027–2045.
Transport and release of chemicals from plastics to the environment and to wildlife.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wagner, M, Scherer, C, Alvarez-Muñoz, D, Brennholt, N, Bourrain, X, Buchinger, S, Fries, E, Grosbois, C, Klasmeier, J, Marti, T, Rodriguez-Mozaz, S, Urbatzka, R, Vethaak, AD, Winther-Nielsen, M, and Reifferscheid, G (2014). Microplastics in freshwater ecosystems: what we know and what we need to know. Environmental Sciences Europe 26, 12.
Microplastics in freshwater ecosystems: what we know and what we need to know.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Weerakkody, U, Dover, JW, Mitchell, P, and Reiling, K (2017). Particulate matter pollution capture by leaves of seventeen living wall species with special reference to rail-traffic at a metropolitan station. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 27, 173–186.
Particulate matter pollution capture by leaves of seventeen living wall species with special reference to rail-traffic at a metropolitan station.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Werker, E (2000). Trichome diversity and development. Advances in Botanical Research 31, 1–35.
Trichome diversity and development.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wilson, CE, Darbyshire, SJ, and Jones, R (2007). The biology of invasive alien plants in Canada. 7. Cabomba caroliniana A. Gray. Canadian Journal of Plant Science 87, 615–638.
The biology of invasive alien plants in Canada. 7. Cabomba caroliniana A. Gray.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wong, JKH, Lee, KK, Tang, KHD, and Yap, P-S (2020). Microplastics in the freshwater and terrestrial environments: prevalence, fates, impacts and sustainable solutions. Science of The Total Environment 719, 137512.
Microplastics in the freshwater and terrestrial environments: prevalence, fates, impacts and sustainable solutions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Yin, L, Wen, X, Huang, D, Du, C, Deng, R, Zhou, Z, Tao, J, Li, R, Zhou, W, Wang, Z, and Chen, H (2021a). Interactions between microplastics/nanoplastics and vascular plants. Environmental Pollution 290, 117999.
Interactions between microplastics/nanoplastics and vascular plants.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Yin, L, Wen, X, Huang, D, Zeng, G, Deng, R, Liu, R, Zhou, Z, Tao, J, Xiao, R, and Pan, H (2021b). Microplastics retention by reeds in freshwater environment. Science of The Total Environment 790, 148200.
Microplastics retention by reeds in freshwater environment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Yu, H, Peng, J, Cao, X, Wang, Y, Zhang, Z, Xu, Y, and Qi, W (2021). Effects of microplastics and glyphosate on growth rate, morphological plasticity, photosynthesis, and oxidative stress in the aquatic species Salvinia cucullata. Environmental Pollution 279, 116900.
Effects of microplastics and glyphosate on growth rate, morphological plasticity, photosynthesis, and oxidative stress in the aquatic species Salvinia cucullata.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Yuan, W, Zhou, Y, Liu, X, and Wang, J (2019). New perspective on the nanoplastics disrupting the reproduction of an endangered fern in artificial freshwater. Environmental Science & Technology 53, 12715–12724.
New perspective on the nanoplastics disrupting the reproduction of an endangered fern in artificial freshwater.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zhang, H (2017). Transport of microplastics in coastal seas. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 199, 74–86.
Transport of microplastics in coastal seas.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zhang, T, Wang, J, Liu, D, Sun, Z, Tang, R, Ma, X, and Feng, Z (2022). Loading of microplastics by two related macroalgae in a sea area where gold and green tides occur simultaneously. Science of The Total Environment 814, 152809.
Loading of microplastics by two related macroalgae in a sea area where gold and green tides occur simultaneously.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zou, W, Xia, M, Jiang, K, Cao, Z, Zhang, X, and Hu, X (2020). Photo-oxidative degradation mitigated the developmental toxicity of polyamide microplastics to zebrafish larvae by modulating macrophage-triggered proinflammatory responses and apoptosis. Environmental Science & Technology 54, 13888–13898.
Photo-oxidative degradation mitigated the developmental toxicity of polyamide microplastics to zebrafish larvae by modulating macrophage-triggered proinflammatory responses and apoptosis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zuur AF, Ieno EN, Walker N, Saveliev AA, Smith GM (2009) ‘Mixed effects models and extensions in ecology with R.’ (Springer Verlag: New York, NY, USA). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-87458-6