We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Sources and Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Microplastics in Sediments from the Gulf of Trieste
Summary
Researchers characterized the distribution, concentration, and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and microplastics in marine sediments from the Gulf of Trieste using FTIR spectroscopy and density separation. PAH concentrations were highest near harbors and marinas and were of both pyrogenic and petrogenic origin, while microplastics peaked at 125 particles per 100 g dry weight in coastal areas with filaments and fragments of polyethylene and polypropylene (100-300 µm) dominating.
This paper presents the results of important problems of marine pollution with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and microplastics (MP). The Gulf of Trieste, the investigated area, is affected by the accumulation of various pollutants and microplastics due to its geomorphological and hydrological characteristics. The distribution, content and origin of PAH and MP in marine sediments are presented. The concentrations of hydrocarbons were higher close to pollution sources (harbors, marinas) and decreased towards the offshore areas. PAH were mainly of two origins, the pyrogenic and petrogenic. Petrogenic PAH originate from crude oil and oil products, while pyrogenic PAH originate from the combustion of organic matter, especially fossil fuels. MP were extracted by density separation. The size, shape, and color of the extracted MP were determined using an optical microscope, and the composition of the polymers was determined by FTIR spectroscopy. The highest concentrations of up to 125 particles per 100 g dry weight of sediment were found in coastal areas. In the open sea, the concentrations were much lower, with an average of 3 particles per 100 g of dry sediment. Filaments and fragments were the most abundant shape, mostly made of polyethylene and polypropylene, 100–300 µm in size, and colorless/blue. The presented results show a moderate pollution of the investigated area with PAH and MP, in great part limited to the coastal areas.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Plastic debris in the Mediterranean Sea: Types, occurrence and distribution along Adriatic shorelines
Researchers investigated plastic debris in sediments from five beaches on the Northern Adriatic coast, finding a mean density of 12.1 items per kg dry weight and characterising debris types using FT-IR spectroscopy in the first such assessment for this region.
Analysis of Microplastic at Sea Water and Sediment in the Pasaran Island Bay Using FT-IR
Researchers analysed microplastic particle counts, morphologies, and polymer types in seawater and sediment samples collected from four stations around Pasaran Island Bay using FT-IR spectroscopy. Extraction protocols used 70% ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, and sodium chloride for seawater samples and FeSO4, NaCl, and H2O2 for sediments, characterising the nature and extent of microplastic pollution at this Indonesian marine site.
Sources and fate of microplastics in marine and beach sediments of the Southern Baltic Sea—a preliminary study
Researchers investigated microplastic sources and distribution in marine and beach sediments of the southern Baltic Sea — one of the most polluted regional seas — using density extraction and FT-IR identification. The study found widespread contamination with significant variability tied to local sources and hydrodynamic transport patterns.
Extraction and determination of microplastics and associated PAHs in seawater and beach sediments from the northwestern part of the Caspian Sea
Researchers collected microplastics and beach sediments from the northwestern Caspian Sea and used GC-MS to characterize polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons adsorbed on the MPs, finding PAH profiles consistent with petroleum combustion sources and documenting MP-PAH co-contamination in this landlocked sea.
Occurrence and abundance of macro, meso and microplastics along the coasts of the Persian Gulf (case study: Bushehr Province coast)
This survey of 17 coastal stations in Iran's Bushehr Province on the Persian Gulf documented widespread plastic pollution at macro, meso, and microplastic scales, with fibers making up the majority and fragments under 500 micrometers being most common. Polyethylene, polystyrene, PET, and nylon were the dominant polymer types identified by infrared analysis. The Persian Gulf is a semi-enclosed, heavily industrialized sea, and this data establishes baseline contamination levels needed to track how pollution changes over time.