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Microplastics in Turkish coastal lagoons: Unveiling the hidden threat to wetland ecosystems
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Researchers conducted the first comprehensive assessment of microplastic pollution in five coastal lagoons in northeastern Mediterranean Turkey, recovering over 15,500 microplastic particles from water and sediment samples. Water concentrations were significantly higher in November than in June, with fibers being the dominant type and polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester the most common polymers. The findings point to agricultural runoff, fishing gear, and mismanaged waste as significant pollution sources in these ecologically important wetland ecosystems.
Transitional ecosystems like coastal lagoons provide numerous ecosystem services. However, they are increasingly threatened by plastic pollution, particularly microplastics (MPs). Despite growing concerns, the occurrence and distribution of MPs in lagoon systems of Türkiye remain largely unknown. This study presents the first comprehensive assessment of MP pollution in five lagoons-Akyatan, Tuzla, Ağyatan, Çamlık, and Yelkoma-located in the northeastern Mediterranean region of Türkiye. A total of 15,526 MPs were recovered from water and sediment samples collected in November 2021 and June 2022. Water samples showed significantly higher MP concentrations in November (47.5 ± 4.02 MP/L) than in June (17.0 ± 2.57 MP/L). In contrast, sediment samples did not exhibit any statistically significant seasonal variation in MP abundance. The highest MP concentration in water samples was detected at Yelkoma (62.68 ± 12.76 MP/L), whereas sediment MP concentrations peaked in Akyatan Lagoon at 85.25 ± 27.96 MP/kg. Fibers were the dominant MP type, followed by fragments and films. Polymer analysis revealed polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyester (PES) as the most common types, indicating agricultural runoff, fishing gear, and mismanaged waste as significant pollution sources. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted waste management strategies and long-term monitoring to mitigate MP pollution in these ecologically vital systems.
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Microplastics in Turkish Coastal Lagoons: Unveiling the Hidden Threat to Wetland Ecosystems
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Researchers assessed microplastic abundance, composition, and seasonal variability in surface water and sediment of five Turkish coastal lagoons in the northeastern Mediterranean. Microplastics were present in all lagoons across seasons, with fibers dominating, and sediment concentrations far exceeding water column levels, revealing that these transitional ecosystems serve as significant microplastic sinks.
Characterization of microplastics in sediments and surface waters of Turkish lakes
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Researchers surveyed seven lakes in Turkey and found microplastics in all of them, with polyethylene and polypropylene being the most common types. Human activities like tourism, fishing, and urban waste disposal were identified as major sources, showing that even protected lake areas are contaminated with plastic particles that can enter drinking water supplies.
Spatio-Temporal Distribution and Characterization of Microplastic Pollution in The Three Main Freshwater Systems (Aksu and Köprü Streams, Manavgat River) And Fishing Grounds Located in Their Vicinities in The Antalya Bay
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Researchers found 2,444 microplastics across three freshwater systems near Antalya Bay, Turkey, with fibers (57%) and fragments (33%) dominating, and polyethylene and polypropylene as the most common polymers, showing a homogeneous pollution pattern across all sampling sites.
Microplastic Pollution in Turkish Aquatic Ecosystems: Sources, Characteristics, Implications, and Mitigation Strategies
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This systematic review surveys microplastic pollution across Turkish rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. It found widespread contamination from textile fibers, packaging fragments, and agricultural films, with potential implications for local seafood safety and drinking water quality.
First evaluation of microplastic pollution in the surface waters of the Van Bay from Van Lake, Turkey
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Researchers found microplastic pollution in surface waters of Van Bay, Turkey, at densities of 641,424 to 1,426,638 particles/km2, with fibers (40.5%), particles under 0.1 mm (52.3%), and polyethylene (60.2%) being most prevalent, and highest concentrations near river inputs from populated areas.
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