The characteristics of plastic pollution of Qinglan Port along the mangrove coast to realize resources and environmental conservation

Abstract

As important habitats, mangroves are a pool of benthic spawning genes and the biodefense line that intercepts continental pollutants. Ocean plastic pollution could lead to serious physical and toxicological effects on marine life and further threaten the stability and well- being of mangrove biodiversity. This study adopted methods of quantitative field observations and qualitative marine sampling. We, taking Qinglan Port, Hainan Island as the study area, collected marine waste, sediment and benthic organisms as the subjects of research. Visual identification, stereomicroscope observation and infrared spectrum analysis were used during the process to analyze features and sources of serious plastic waste. The findings show that the main plastic wastes include plastic bags, foams and fishing waste. Microplastics are a combination of flakes, fibers, lines, films, particles and spherical shapes, most of which are fabrics as a result of physical compression. The purpose of this study is to provide decisive suggestions to the government departments concerned for management and policy development to ensure maximum protection of mangrove forest habitats and their surrounding environments.