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A critical brief review on plastic pollution in the Sea of Marmara

Microplastics 2023 1 citation ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count.
Rıdvan Kaan Gürses

Summary

This critical review examines plastic pollution in the Sea of Marmara, highlighting specific risks to this enclosed sea that receives contaminants from both the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. The study identifies critical knowledge gaps and calls for ecosystem-based management addressing both marine debris sources and plastic pollution impacts on the Marmara ecosystem.

Study Type Environmental

During the last two decades, the term “plastic pollution” arises more and more concern for human beings, a growing problem that threatens all areas from rural to industrial areas all around the world. In the ecosystem integrity, this pollution also influenced the oceans worldwide. This plastic material, which is used in all environments where human activities are present, reaches the hydrosphere through both water and air. Thus, both freshwater and marine environments are affected by plastic pollution. The present study highlights the importance of plastic pollution in different marine ecosystems, with special focus on the Sea of Marmara. Along with the conditions of the Marmara basin, missing but critical parts that are still open for search in plastic pollution have been evaluated to provide a base for ecosystem-based management in the region that need urgent attention. In conclusion, reasons for plastic accumulations and their harmful effect on the ecosystem have been noted with special emphasis on different sources of plastic pollutants, the risks for the future of the ecosystem and human beings.

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