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Assessment of microplastic pollution on coasts in anthropogenic areas using ecological risk indices
Summary
Scientists studying beaches along Turkey's Marmara Sea coast found tiny plastic bits called microplastics in every sample they tested, with pollution levels spiking in winter—likely from rain and runoff washing more plastic into the water. Using multiple risk-scoring tools, they rated the ecological danger as "very high" to "extremely dangerous," which matters because these same plastic fragments (often from clothing fibers and packaging materials) can enter the food chain through fish and shellfish, potentially ending up on our plates. The findings underscore the need for stronger pollution controls, especially in coastal areas near cities
Microplastics (MPs) are common pollutants in coastal habitats and pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems. However, studies that integrate seasonal variability, physicochemical characteristics, and multiple ecological risk indicators along the southern coast of the Marmara Sea remain limited. This study presents the first comprehensive assessments of MP pollution in the coastal sediments of Gemlik Gulf by integrating seasonal variability, MP characteristics, and 10 complementary indices of pollution, ecological risk, and diversity. Analyses were performed on sediment samples collected seasonally from five beaches in Bursa Province, Türkiye. Pollution levels (CFI, PLI, CMPI, and MPPI), ecological risk (PHI, PERI, and ESI), and diversity indices (Shannon, Pielou, and Simpson) were calculated to assess MP pollution loads and potential ecological risks. MP abundances showed significant seasonal but not spatial variations, peaking in winter (226 ± 109 MP kg), followed by spring (160 ± 31 MP kg), summer (95 ± 25 MP kg), and autumn (75 ± 28 MP kg). Fibers predominated at most beaches (35-44%), whereas fragments dominated others (39-57%). MPs were predominantly black (28.0%) and white (23.3%), with the 0.5-1 mm fraction comprising 35-39% of the total. Major polymers were polypropylene (PP, 28.6%), polyamide (PA, 19.9%), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC, 10.5%). PERI and PHI indicated potential ecological risks corresponding to the "Very High" and "Extremely Dangerous" categories. These findings highlight the need for management strategies to mitigate MP pollution.