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Marine litter and microplastic pollution in mangrove sediments in the Sea of Oman
Summary
Researchers surveyed marine litter and microplastic pollution in mangrove sediments along the coast of Oman. They found plastic items accounted for the vast majority of litter, and microplastic concentrations in sediment varied widely between sites, with the highest levels near areas of greater human activity. The study highlights mangroves as significant sinks for plastic pollution that need targeted conservation and cleanup efforts.
Marine litter and microplastic pollution in mangroves pose significant threats. This study of litter in Omani mangroves revealed an average density of 0.83 to 21.92 items/m. Quriyat lagoon emerged as the most contaminated area, hosting 133 items/m, while Qurum Natural Reserve lagoon showed the least contamination at 10 items/m. Plastics constituted 73-96 % of the litter, with microplastic levels in sediment ranging from 6 to 256 pieces/kg. Al-Sawadi's lagoon had the highest microplastic abundance (27.52 ± 5.32 pieces/kg), in contrast to Al Qurum's Marine Protected Area with the lowest (0.60 ± 1.12 pieces/kg). Microplastics, categorized as fragments, pellets, and fibers, were distributed across zones 40.05 % landward, 30.97 % seaward, and 28.98 % in the middle mangrove zones. Primary plastic polymers identified were Polyethylene (PE) at 40 % and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) at 28 %, along with others found in specific areas. Our findings provide essential baseline data for future monitoring efforts and management strategies in Oman and other countries.
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