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Distribution, flux, and risk assessment of microplastics at the Anzali Wetland, Iran, and its tributaries
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This study mapped microplastic pollution in Anzali Wetland in Iran and its nine tributary rivers, finding contamination throughout the freshwater ecosystem. Microplastic levels were linked to water turbidity and clay content in sediments, with rivers carrying higher concentrations than the wetland itself. Since this internationally protected wetland supports local fisheries and water supplies, the contamination poses potential risks to human health.
Microplastic pollution has raised significant concerns among scientific communities and society in recent years due to its increase and lesser-known effects on the environment. To improve the knowledge of microplastic pollution in freshwater, we investigated microplastics in Anzali Wetland, a Ramsar site in northern Iran, as well as its nine main entering rivers. The extracted microplastics were characterized via visual identification, SEM-EDX, and μ-Raman methods. Microplastics (size range: 50-5000 μm) were found in all water and sediment samples with concentration of fibrous particles as well as polypropylene and polyethylene polymers. The mean concentration of microplastics in bottom sediment and surface water samples of the wetland was 301 ± 222 particles∙kg d.w. and 235 ± 115 particles∙m (0.23 particles∙L), respectively. The microplastic concentration in the central and eastern parts of the wetland was higher than in other areas; however, the mean concentrations revealed homogeneity across the wetland area. Water properties (dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, and salinity in water) did not affect the concentration of microplastic particles, though correlational analysis revealed a strong positive association between microplastic quantity and turbidity. There was a significant positive relationship between microplastic concentration and the percentage of clay in sediment samples. The quantity of microplastics in river water was higher than in wetland water, but the difference between the results was not significant. However, the quantity of microplastics in the river's littoral sediment was higher than in the bottom sediment of the wetland where the difference between the results was significant. Microplastic ecological risk assessment showed high potential ecological risk. The findings underscore the importance of effective management strategies and the implementation of policies to mitigate the negative impact of MP pollution on ecosystems and human health.
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Microplastics in surface sediments of a highly urbanized wetland
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Researchers found microplastic contamination throughout the sediments of Anzali Wetland in Iran, with levels highest near a heavily urbanized river outlet and areas of intense tourism and fishing, and fibers comprising 80% of all detected particles.
Microplastics in aquatic species of Anzali wetland: An important freshwater biodiversity hotspot in Iran
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Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in seven aquatic species from Anzali Wetland in Iran, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot. They found microplastics in the digestive tracts, gills, and skin of all species examined, with herbivorous bottom-dwelling fish showing the highest contamination levels. The findings raise concerns about the widespread penetration of microplastics into freshwater food webs at ecologically sensitive sites.
Identification and distribution of microplastics in the sediments and surface waters of Anzali Wetland in the Southwest Caspian Sea, Northern Iran
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Researchers documented the occurrence, abundance, and distribution of microplastics in sediments and surface waters of Anzali coastal wetland on the southwest Caspian Sea, finding concentrations between 140-2,820 items/kg dry weight in sediments and up to 4.41 items/m3 in surface water. Fibers were the most common shape and concentrations were higher in the dry season, with the wetland serving as a significant microplastic sink.
Microplastics abundance, distribution and composition in surface waters, sediments and fish species from Amir˗Kalayeh Wetland, Northern Iran
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This study examined microplastic pollution in surface waters, sediments, and fish species from Amir-Kalayeh Wetland in Northern Iran. Researchers found microplastics across all sampled compartments, with varying abundance and composition, highlighting that wetland ecosystems are also susceptible to widespread microplastic contamination.
Effect of land use on microplastic pollution in a major boundary waterway: The Arvand River
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Researchers conducted the first assessment of microplastic pollution in Iran's Arvand River, finding contamination levels varied with adjacent land use, with higher concentrations near urban and industrial areas in both water and sediment samples.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.