Abstract
Plasticrusts manifest as a coating on intertidal rocks due to environmental exposure. They refer to crushed plastic debris that blankets rocks found along intertidal shorelines. This study significantly contributes to a better understanding of the occurrence of these novel plastic formations, shedding light on their potential pathways of formation during the Anthropocene era. The research provides comprehensive insights into the composition, origins, challenges, and effective management strategies for removing coastal plastic litter. The findings of this investigation offer valuable evidence regarding the formation and impact of these recently discovered plastic items in coastal regions, prompting discussions about their formation processes and their effects on the marine ecosystem. Recognizing that these newly emerged plastic litter pose a considerable threat to the marine environment is crucial. With their emergence, we face an environmental challenge, especially concerning the health of coastal ecosystems. Plasticrusts, when degraded, can release microplastics (MPs) and nanoparticles (NPs) into the surrounding environment. These micro- and nano-sized plastic particles pose significant ecological risks as they persist in ecosystems, potentially harming wildlife and entering the food chain, causing widespread environmental contamination. Significantly, it outlines strategies to minimize the impact of this emerging plastic debris and its source.
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Data availability
All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article. Furthermore, the data supporting this study’s findings are available on request from the corresponding author, [Malafaia G.].
Change history
19 June 2024
A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-024-12826-5
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Nong Lam University (Vietnam), National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (Taiwan), and Deanship of Scientific Research at King Khalid University (RGP. 2/430/44).
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Minh-Ky Nguyen: Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Visualization, Writing – original draft – review & editing; Md. Refat Jahan Rakib: Methodology, Data curation, Formal analysis, Writing – review & editing; Hoang-Lam Nguyen: Data curation, Investigation, Writing – review & editing; Chitsan Lin: Conceptualization, Supervision, Investigation, Visualization, Writing – review & editing; Guilherme Malafaia: Data curation, Supervision, Formal analysis, Writing – review & editing; Abubakr M. Idris: Formal analysis, Writing – review & editing. All authors contributed to the manuscript's discussion, reviews, and approval for publication. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
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Nguyen, MK., Rakib, M.R.J., Nguyen, HL. et al. A mini-review on plasticrusts: occurrence, current trends, potential threats, and recommendations for coastal sustainability. Environ Monit Assess 196, 137 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-024-12318-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-024-12318-6