Microplastic Pollution Profile of Pazarsuyu Stream (Giresun, Türkiye)

In this study, microplastic (MP) profiles in water, sediment and fish samples from three stations along the Pazarsuyu Stream, one of the important water resources in the Bulancak district of the Black Sea Region, were investigated. Water, sediment and fish samples were collected seasonally and the presence, type and amount of microplastics were determined. Both microscopic and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy techniques were used to analyze and identify the MPs. In the analysis conducted for all stations, a total of 480 MPs per kilogram were found in sediment samples, while 0.75 MPs per liter were found in water samples and 5.3 MPs per gram were found in the stomach contents of fish. The dominant color of MPs in water and sediment samples observed in the study is black, while the dominant color in stomach contents of fish is blue and black. In the analysis of polymer shapes from the collected water and sediment microplastics in this study, fibers were the dominant group. Conversely, fragments were predominantly found in stomach contents. Based on the FT-IR analysis results PP (Polypropylene) and PE (Polyethylene) were identified as the most abundant MP polymer types. Microplastics were also found in the digestive systems of fish, indicating a potential risk of passage into the food chain. This study reveals the extent of microplastic pollution in the Pazarsuyu Stream ecosystem and emphasizes the need for further research in terms of its potential effects on aquatic life and human health in the region. It also provides important data to local governments and stakeholders for pollution reduction strategies.