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Occurrence and spatial distribution of microplastics in the intertidal sediments along the Oman Sea
Summary
This study documented microplastic contamination in intertidal sediments along seven locations on the Oman Sea coast, finding average levels of about 315 particles per kilogram of dry sediment. Fragments and fibers dominated, with polypropylene as the most common polymer identified by Raman spectroscopy. The results confirm that microplastic pollution has reached the Oman Sea coastline and call for regional regulations to reduce plastic inputs into this relatively understudied marine environment.
Microplastics (MPs) have been found in marine systems more frequently. We aim to analyze the MPs abundances, distribution, and characteristics in the intertidal sediments along the Oman Sea. Samples were collected from 7 locations with three replicates. Density separation was used to extract MPs, which were then visually counted and categorized based on their size, shape, and color. MPs abundance ranged between 219.6 ± 38.3 particles.kgdw and 617.3 ± 99.9 particles.kgdw with a mean abundance of 315.4 ± 24.4 particles.kg dw. Fragments and fibers were the dominant shapes. Red and blue colors were observed in 61.6 % of the collected MPs. In addition, 100-500 μm size range of MPs were more abundant. Micro-Raman spectroscopy analysis revealed polypropylene was the major polymer constituent. The present study revealed the widespread occurrence of MPs as anthropogenic pollutants throughout the Oman Sea and highlighted the urgent need for regulations and policies to reduce the entry of this material into marine environments.