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Spatio-Temporal Distribution and Risk Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in a River Catchment: Susurluk Sub-Basin, Türkiye
Summary
Researchers conducted seasonal sampling across 11 sites in the Susurluk sub-basin in Turkey, finding that microplastic concentrations in river water and sediments peaked downstream of urban and agricultural zones, with pollution risk indices indicating that land use type more strongly predicted contamination levels than seasonal variation.
Abstract Freshwater ecosystems play an important role in transporting microplastic pollution from terrestrial environments to the seas. This study investigates the seasonal and anthropogenic effects of microplastic pollution in Susurluk sub-basin of Bursa province with considering the pollution risk assessment using indices. Microplastics (MPs) were sampled seasonally from 11 points clustered across three subsampling locations: Nilüfer Stream, Kocacay Stream, and Lake Uluabat. The highest microplastic densities were recorded at Nilüfer Stream, which passes through the industrial zone of Bursa, with values reaching 4000 MPs/m 3 , 6660.35 MPs/m 3 , and 2472.50 MPs/m 3 . In contrast, the lowest densities were observed in areas with regular urbanization. Microplastic concentrations were highest in winter and lowest in summer. Fibers were the most abundant microplastic type, with sizes ranging between 0.11 mm and 5 mm. The predominant polymers identified were polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS), followed by polyurethane (PUR) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The Pollution Load Index (PLI) exceeded 1 only in locations with high anthropogenic influence, such as Nilüfer Stream, particularly during winter. Although microplastic abundance is a critical indicator of pollution, the presence of high-risk polymer types, including PUR, PAN, and PVC, significantly influenced the Hazard Index (H) across the locations. Overall, the Pollution Risk Index (PRI) was highest in this region, indicating a significant risk of microplastic pollution for the marine ecosystem. This is particularly concerning given the strong hydrological connection between the sampling locations and the Marmara Sea, which serves as a critical link between the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea.