The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Mass Concentration, Spatial Distribution, and Source Apportionment of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in the Beibu Gulf Waters
ID:532 Poster Presentation

2027-01-15 17:00 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 15 - Marine Micro- and Nano-Plastics: Novel Methods, Environmental Fate and Ecological Effects

Abstract
As a critical strategic hub for opening-up between China and ASEAN countries, the Beibu Gulf is a typical semi-enclosed bay where plastic pollution has drawn considerable concern. However, existing studies have mostly focused on microplastic (MP) pollution, while the vertical distribution and transport processes of nanoplastics (NPs) remain poorly understood. In this study, microplastics and nanoplastics were isolated from water samples collected in the Beibu Gulf region. The mass concentrations of four polymer types—polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)—were quantitatively analyzed using pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), and their sources were apportioned by the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model. The results showed spatial heterogeneity in micro- and nanoplastic concentrations between nearshore surface waters and offshore as well as bottom waters. Source apportionment indicated that microplastic sources included fishing activities, land-based inputs of plastic waste, and ship emissions. This study presents the first systematic report on the mass concentrations, spatial distribution characteristics, and source apportionment of micro- and nanoplastics in the Beibu Gulf, providing essential baseline data for source-oriented control of plastic pollution and ecological conservation in this region.
Speaker
Yuxin Zhang Chinese Academy of Sciences;Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry

Author
Yuxin Zhang Chinese Academy of Sciences;Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027