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Assessment of Microplastics Pollution in Marine Water Along Gulf of Suez, Egypt
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Researchers assessed microplastic pollution at nine beach locations along the Gulf of Suez, Egypt, identifying 1,982 microplastic debris particles in water samples via microscopy and characterizing various morphologies, providing baseline data on spatial fluctuations of microplastic contamination in this Red Sea region.
Concern about the presence of plastic debris in marine habitats with a diameter of less than 5 mm, or "microplastics", has grown in recent years on a local and international level. This study represents an investigation to evaluate the spatial fluctuations of microplastics pollution in Egypt, particularly in the Gulf of Suez. microplastics particles from nine different beach locations have been evaluated (east and west Gulf of Suez-Red Sea, Egypt). Various morphologies of microplastic have been identified under a microscope. 1982 microplastics debris in water samples with a mean and standard deviation of 220 ± 179 items/L were found. A one-way ANOVA test has been used to find the differences between morphological groups; line, fragment, and film. The line morphology was the most prevalent form of microplastic in water samples with a mean and standard deviation of 351 ± 26 items/L. According to the Coefficient of Microplastics Impact (CMPI) and the Environmental Status Index (ESI), Suez and Ras-Sadder areas are having the most microplastic pollution among all locations. That could be due to the various activities that these areas are facing. Further study is needed to assess risks to marine ecosystems, including FTIR analysis, SEM analysis, and chemical examination of microplastics and polymers, to understand potential pollution sources.
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