Microplastics in Marine Sediments in Eastern Guangdong in the South China Sea: Factors Influencing the Seasonal and Spatial Variations

Little is known about the comprehensive factors influencing temporal changes in microplastic abundance marine ecosystems. We investigated seasonal variations distribution sediments multiple-used zones of Eastern Guangdong South China Sea. The top 10 cm from 26 sites were collected by grab sampling spring, summer, and winter 2021. Marine had lowest significantly lower than other seasons. size microplastics varied 22.5 to 4363.3 µm but 50–200 range was most abundant. Transparent fragmented frequently observed composition. Microplastic negatively correlated distance coast. However, seaweed ecosystems impacted changing microenvironment and/or direct contact entrapment. closely related coastal mariculture local residential industrial activities. Polypropylene, polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer, polyethylene terephthalate, detected compositions, probably packaging materials, textiles, electronic/electrical/building industries. This work helps understand role their influence on distributions Appropriate management use disposal plastic waste land recommended alleviate pollution environment.