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Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in Sediments from Khor Al-Zubair, North-West of Arabian Gulf
Summary
Researchers collected sediment samples from three sites in Khor Al-Zubair in the northwestern Arabian Gulf, Iraq, and confirmed the presence of microplastic fragments and fibers composed primarily of polyethylene and polypropylene. Concentrations were highest near industrial areas, pointing to sewage discharge and industrial waste as primary sources. This short study provides one of the first data points on microplastic pollution in Iraqi marine waters, a region that has been largely overlooked in global monitoring efforts. Baseline data like this are essential for future regional management strategies.
This study describes the concentration and distribution of microplastics at three different benthic sediment sites in Khor Al-Zubair region, North- West Arabian Gulf, Iraq. Sediment samples were separated by density difference, then Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used for analysis. Microplastics were recorded at different sites, with higher concentrations near industrial areas, and these microplastic particles were varied in shape from fragments to fibers composed of polyethylene and polypropylene polymers, indicating the clear impact of sewage discharge and domestic and industrial waste.