Microplastics in the geological-ecological subsystem of the coastal part of the geoecosystem of the Georgian Shelf

The results of studies on the distribution of microplastics in the surface layer of seafloor sediments in the water area adjacent to the coast of Georgia, conducted by specialists of the State Scientific Institution “MorGeoEcoCenter of the NAS of Ukraine”, are presented. These works are part of a large-scale international DOORS project within the framework of the program Horizon 2020 to determine the content and distribution of artificial polymers in the geoecosystem of the Black Sea. During 2022–2024, the content of microplastics was also studied within the beach and littoral areas of the northwestern part of the sea, its shelf areas, as well as the shelf and continental slope within the Romanian sector of the sea.The results showed the presence of microplastic particles in the surface layers of seafloor sediments along the entire coastal zone from the village of Gonion to the village of Kulevi. The size of the detected fragments averaged 100–300 μm. According to the percentage distribution among different types of polymers, the composition of which was confirmed by Raman spectrometry, polyethylene and polypropylene predominated; single fragments of polystyrene were also present. At the same time, the studies showed that the number of particles, compared to the results obtained from studies of other shelf areas, was on average 50% less. This may indicate not only the influence of the features of the Georgian coastal shelf and active hydrodynamic processes, but also the influence of the intensity of particle emission from sources. The work carried out allowed us to gain valuable practical experience in determining artificial polymers in the geological environment of the Black Sea geoecosystem and improve the applied research methods in accordance with existing European standards.