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This study evaluated microplastic pollution in beaches that have served as historical nesting grounds for green turtles in Hainan Island, China and explored the sources of microplastic pollutants to conduct habitat restoration for sea turtles. The average abundance of the microplastics in the beach surface sediments was 2567.38 ± 2937.37 pieces·m−2 or 641.85 ± 734.34 thousand pieces·m−3, foam and plastic block were the main microplastics identified. Microplastic size was predominantly within the 0.05–1 mm category (small microplastic particles), and most microplastic particles were white. Polystyrene and polyethylene were the dominant plastic compositions. The type and compositions of microplastics indicate that most microplastics in this study were broken from large plastic blocks and foam. To reduce the threat of microplastic pollution to marine life, including sea turtles, we suggested removing plastic litter, especially small plastic on beaches, and replacing and recovering the foam used in aquaculture before it ages and fragments. • Microplastic were found in all beaches that served as historical nesting grounds for green turtles in Hainan Island, China. • Polystyrene and polyethylene were the dominant compositions of microplastic in this study. • Microplastic size was mostly in 0.05–1 mm (small microplastic particles), and the color of microplastic was mostly white. • Removing small plastic litter and replacing and recovering the foam maybe can reduce microplastic pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fewer than 250 Asian elephants remain in China, occupying fragmented habitats of Yunnan Province. One such fragmented population of 18–23 individuals occupies the Nangunhe Nature Reserve Area in Lincang City, Yunnan Province, China. The greatest threat to the survival of this population is the loss and fragmentation of habitat. In this study, we applied an ecological niche factor analysis (ENFA) model to evaluate the habitat suitability of Lincang City for Asian elephants based on geographical factors, vegetation type, and human disturbance. Optimal, relatively suitable, and marginal habitat accounted for 0.16% (38.45 km 2 ), 0.61% (150.00 km 2 ), and 3.34% (817.26 km 2 ) of the total study area, whereas non-suitable habitat accounted for 95.89% (23,463.29 km 2 ) of this area. The marginality of Asian elephant habitat in Lincang was 1.954, indicating nonrandom selection of various eco-geographical variables in the environment. The primary factor affecting Asian elephant habitat quality was vegetation type, followed by geographical factors and human disturbance. A habitat quality map for the total distribution of Asian elephants remaining in China (i.e., Yunnan Province: Xishuangbanna, Lincang, and Pu'er) based on our current and previous study showed that just 1400.57 km 2 and 2689.62 km 2 relatively suitable and optimal habitat is available, owing to significant deforestation. In addition to reintroduction programs, conservation strategies should focus on improving the quality of marginal habitats for elephants, in parallel to placing ecological corridors through non-suitable habitat to connect all suitable habitats for this and other extremely small elephant populations in China to reduce genetic isolation and secure long-term survival for the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) and baseline blood trihalomethanes (THMs) have been measured as biomarkers of exposure to drinking water disinfection by-products (DBPs) that have been associated with increased risk of cancers and adverse reproductive outcomes. This study aimed to identify predictors of urinary TCAA and baseline blood THMs among men in China. Urine samples, blood samples, and information on socio-demographic factors and water-use activities were collected from 2216 men who participated in a cross-sectional study of exposure to drinking water DBPs and reproductive health during 2011 to 2012. Urinary TCAA and baseline blood THMs including chloroform (TCM), bromodichloromethane (BDCM), dibromochloromethane (DBCM), and bromoform (TBM) were analyzed. Multivariable linear regression was used to evaluate predictors of urinary TCAA and baseline blood THM concentrations. Tap water consumption was significantly associated with creatinine-adjusted urinary TCAA concentration (β = 0.23 µg/g creatinine per log10 unit; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.35). Men with surface water source had 0.13 (95% CI: 0.00, 0.27) higher mean creatinine-adjusted urinary TCAA concentrations than those with ground water source. Smoking was associated with lower concentration of creatinine-adjusted urinary TCAA. Age was significantly associated with baseline blood Br-THM (sum of BDCM, DBCM, and TBM) concentration (β = 0.01 ng/L per unit; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.02). Increased household income was associated with decreased concentrations of baseline blood BDCM and Br-THMs. Our results suggest that tap water consumption, water source, smoking, age, and household income as the primary determinants of exposure to drinking water DBPs should be considered in exposure assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]