Investigation of Microplastic Pollution on the Coasts of Giresun (Türkiye)

Microplastic (MP) pollution is a widespread environmental and health issue of global significance. In this study, the microplastic profile along the Black Sea coast of Giresun province was analyzed using sediment and seawater samples collected from six different stations. The presence, types, and distribution characteristics of microplastics (MPs) were identified through microscopic methods and μ-FTIR spectroscopy. The analysis revealed that sediment samples contained 72.22 items kg⁻¹, while seawater samples had 0.12 items L⁻¹ of microplastics. The most common types of microplastics were fibers and films, predominantly observed in black, blue, and transparent colors. The majority of microplastics were within the 0-50 µm size range (89%), with no particles exceeding 200 µm chemical analysis showed that the most common type of microplastic was Polyethylene (44%), followed by Polypropylene (25%), Polystyrene (15%), Polyvinyl Acetate (12%), and Polyethylene Terephthalate (4%). In conclusion, microplastics pose significant risks to marine ecosystems and human health. The study emphasizes the need for improved waste management systems, regular monitoring, and the implementation of effective remediation methods to mitigate this growing problem.