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Ferry terminals as hotspots of microplastic contamination in the Aegean Sea: evidence from coastal waters and sediments
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Researchers sampled seawater and sediment near ferry terminals in the Gulf of Izmir, Turkey, over two years, finding nearly 3,000 microplastic particles, mostly fibers and fragments, with more found in sediment and in autumn. Pollution measurements showed high contamination and ecological risk at busy, urban terminal sites, suggesting ferry terminals are major sources of microplastic pollution.
Microplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a critical environmental issue in coastal ecosystems, particularly in regions exposed to intense anthropogenic pressure. This study investigates the occurrence, distribution, and ecological risks of MPs in seawater and sediments collected from ferry terminals along the Gulf of Izmir (Aegean Sea, Türkiye). Seasonal sampling was conducted at seven stations between 2022 and 2024, and MPs were characterized in terms of type, size, color, and polymer composition using stereomicroscopy and FTIR analysis. A total of 2.989 MP particles were identified, with higher abundances observed in sediments compared to water and pronounced seasonal variability, peaking in autumn. Filaments and fragments were the dominant morphotypes, while blue and green particles prevailed, indicating strong contributions from maritime activities, wastewater discharges, and urban sources. The predominance of smaller fractions (100–250 μm) suggests advanced fragmentation processes. Multiple pollution indices (MPI, PLI, PHI, PERI, and CMPI) revealed elevated contamination levels and significant ecological risks, particularly in highly urbanized stations such as Üçkuyular and Konak. The integrated assessment highlights ferry terminals as critical hotspots of MP pollution. These findings contribute to a better understanding of MP dynamics in semi-enclosed coastal systems and support the development of targeted mitigation strategies aligned with sustainable coastal management.
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