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Impact of land use on microplastic pollution in the Oman Gulf: Unveiling risk assessment
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Scientists tested water and sediment from the Oman Gulf and found tiny plastic bits (microplastics) everywhere, with the highest amounts near busy cities and popular beach areas—mostly plastic fibers from clothes and fishing nets in the water, and broken-down plastic from bottles and packaging in the sediment. This matters because these microplastics can enter the food chain (think fish and seafood) and eventually end up on our plates, so the researchers say we need better plastic recycling, regulations, and public awareness to cut down on pollution before it affects both marine life and human health.
Abstract Microplastic (MP) particles have emerged as ubiquitous and persistent contaminants in aquatic environments worldwide, posing increasing ecological concerns due to their widespread distribution and potential impacts on ecosystem health. To assess their occurrence in the Oman Gulf, water and sediment samples were collected during the summer of 2024 and analyzed for MP contamination. MP concentrations in sediments ranged from 2 to 397 MPs/Kg dry weight (mean: 94 MPs/Kg dry weight) and in water from 1 to 275 MPs/m 3 (mean: 63 MPs/m 3 ), with the highest levels in urban and recreational areas. The highest abundances were observed in urban areas.The samples were analyzed using a two-step density-based separation method, acid digestion, visual counting under a microscope, Micro-Raman spectroscopy, and SEM-EDX analysis. MPs fibers were more common in the water, probably due to the use of fishing nets and clothing. In contrast, fragmented MPs dominated the sediments due to the use of various buckets, toys, packaging and bottles. White was the most common color in all samples, probably due to the widespread use of white clothing, fishing nets and the hulls of fishing and recreational boats among the people of the region. PP was the most common polymer detected in most areas due to its widespread use in packaging, textiles and various industries. PHI values for sediment samples are classified as category III. PHI values for water samples are classified as risk class III and II. PLI for the sediments and water are in risk class II - IV. PERI values for water samples are classified as risk class I - IV. In this study, urban and recreational areas were found to have high risks. Given these findings, it is essential to implement measures such as environmental regulations for plastic production and consumption, large-scale plastic separation and recycling, and promoting public education and awareness about the harmful effects of plastics.
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Researchers conducted the first assessment of microplastic pollution in littoral sediments of the northern Oman Sea, finding MPs at all eight sampling stations at abundances of 138.3 to 930.3 particles per kg. Polyethylene was the dominant polymer, with fibers and fragments the most common shapes, establishing a baseline and underscoring the need for improved waste management and environmental protection in the region.
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This study documented microplastic contamination in intertidal sediments along seven locations on the Oman Sea coast, finding average levels of about 315 particles per kilogram of dry sediment. Fragments and fibers dominated, with polypropylene as the most common polymer identified by Raman spectroscopy. The results confirm that microplastic pollution has reached the Oman Sea coastline and call for regional regulations to reduce plastic inputs into this relatively understudied marine environment.
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Scientists found tiny plastic bits, mostly from packaging materials, buried in sand at 20 Qatar beaches, with some areas far more polluted than others. These plastics can enter the food chain through fish and shellfish we eat, which is why researchers are calling for better coastal plastic management to protect both marine life and human health.
Characterization of microplastics in digestive tract of commercial fish species from the Oman Sea
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Researchers examined the digestive tracts of two commercially important fish species from the Oman Sea and found microplastics in every fish sampled. Most particles were tiny fibers under one millimeter long, and the most common plastic types were polypropylene and polyethylene. The findings highlight that seafood consumers in the region are likely being exposed to microplastics through the fish they eat.
Assessing microplastic pollution in coastal sediments of the Oman Sea: ecological risk and land-use linkages
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A survey of coastal sediments along the Oman Sea shoreline near Chabahar, Iran, found microplastic concentrations varied dramatically by land use—commercial port and market areas had up to 161 particles per 100 grams of sediment, while remote mangrove forests had as few as 6 particles per 100 grams. Fibers and fragments of polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon were most common. The clear gradient from urbanized to natural areas confirms that human activity is the primary driver of coastal microplastic accumulation, and that mangrove ecosystems—despite their ecological importance—are not immune to plastic contamination.
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