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Article Tier 2 Environmental Sources Marine & Wildlife Policy & Risk Sign in to save

Sucul Alanlarda Mi̇kroplasti̇kleri̇n Güncel Durumu Ve Tübi̇tak Projeleri̇

2024

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This Turkish review examines the current status of microplastics in aquatic environments and summarizes TUBITAK-funded research projects, reporting that microplastic pollution in Turkish seas is highest in the Marmara Sea region followed by the Black Sea and Aegean Sea, with Izmit and Izmir Bay identified as the most polluted areas due to industrial and urban pressures.

"Macro and micro plastic pollutants originating from land based and marine activities in coastal areas threaten marine life. It is observed that the types, abundance and impacts of litter increase in areas especially where the current flow is low and the water residence durations is long. In recent studies supported by the national resources of our country, it has been determined that microplastic types vary according to the pressure differences and the diversity of activities. In the 2020 - 2022 DEN-İZ Program, it was determined that the highest concentration of microplastic pollution is at the Marmara Sea region, followed by the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea. However, the two most polluted regions are Izmit and Izmir Bay, where industrial, urban pressure, and population density are intense. In the assessment of microplastics; risk zones should be identified, risk levels should be determined in the analysis of pollution levels and monitoring networks should be established according to these outputs. It is also recommended that marine monitoring guidelines should be revised according to the current developments and public participation in science should be increased."

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