Centennial environmental evolution and human activity impacts recorded by sedimentary diatoms in the Pearl River estuary

Key Points

• Sedimentary diatoms indicate major environmental evolution across the Pearl River estuary over the past century.
• Key evidence shows significant shifts in diatom diversity linked to human activities and pollution effects.
• Assessment using sediment analysis reveals the strong influence of anthropogenic factors on local ecological conditions.
• Study highlights the need for ongoing monitoring to understand long-term changes and inform conservation efforts.