Evaluation of the abundance, characteristics and potential ecological risk of microplastics in Batlama Stream (Giresun, Türkiye)

Study investigates the microplastic (MPs) profile in water and sediment samples collected from five stations along the Batlama Stream within the borders of Giresun province, Turkey. The presence and characterization of MPs detected in the samples were determined using both microscopic and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy techniques. In the research, 124 items kg-1 of MPs were detected in sediment samples, while 88 items L-1 were found in water samples. The dominant color of MPs observed in the study was transparent. The most dominant size range of MPs was between 0-50 µm, and fiber was the predominant group in the polymer shape analysis of MPs collected from the Batlama Stream. According to the FTIR analysis results, PE and PP were the most abundant types of MPs identified. When assessing the potential ecological risk of MPs, it was determined that the stream falls into the III (High) and IV (Danger) damage and risk categories. Consequently, to mitigate the threat posed by waste reaching the stream and ultimately the sea, it is recommended to minimize waste generation, take necessary precautions, and conduct monitoring and surveillance studies, both for the aquatic ecosystem and human health.