Mapping and Potential Risk Assessment of Marine Debris in Mangrove Wetlands in the Northern South China Sea

Peng Zhou (), Zhongchen Jiang, Li Zhao, Huina Hu and Dongmei Li ()
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Peng Zhou: South China Sea Ecological Center of Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Nansha Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, & Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Survey Technology and Application, MNR, Guangzhou 510300, China
Zhongchen Jiang: South China Sea Ecological Center of Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Nansha Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, & Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Survey Technology and Application, MNR, Guangzhou 510300, China
Li Zhao: South China Sea Ecological Center of Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Nansha Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, & Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Survey Technology and Application, MNR, Guangzhou 510300, China
Huina Hu: South China Sea Ecological Center of Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Nansha Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, & Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Survey Technology and Application, MNR, Guangzhou 510300, China
Dongmei Li: South China Sea Ecological Center of Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Nansha Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station, & Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Survey Technology and Application, MNR, Guangzhou 510300, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-13

Abstract: Mangrove wetlands, acting as significant traps for marine debris, have received insufficient attention in previous research. Here, we conduct the first comprehensive investigation into the magnitude, accumulation, source, and fate of marine debris across seven mangrove areas in the northern South China Sea (MNSCS) during 2019–2020. Systematic field surveys employed stratified random sampling, partitioning each site by vegetation density and tidal influence. Marine debris were collected and classified in sampling units by material (plastic, fabric, styrofoam), size (categorized into small, medium, and large), and origin (distinguishing between land-based and sea-based). Source identification and potential risk assessment were achieved through the integration of debris feature analysis. The results indicate relatively low debris levels in MNSCS mangroves, with plastics dominant. More than 70% of all debris weight with plastics (48.34%) and fabrics (14.59%) is land-based, and more than 70% comes from coastal/recreational activities. More than 90% of all debris items with plastics (52.50%) and Styrofoam (36.32%) are land-based, and more than 90% come from coastal/recreational activities. Medium/large-sized debris are trapped in mangrove wetlands under the influencing conditions of local tidal level, debris item materials, and sizes. Our study quantifies marine debris characteristics, sources, and ecological potential risks in MNSCS mangroves. From environmental, economic, and social sustainability perspectives, our findings are helpful for guiding marine debris management and mangrove conservation. By bridging research and policies, our work balances human activities with ecosystem health for long-term sustainability.

Keywords: mangrove wetlands; marine debris; plastic debris; potential risk assessment; the Northern South China Sea (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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