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Distribution of microplastics in upstream and downstream surface waters of the Iranian rivers discharging to the southern Caspian Sea
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This study mapped the spatial and seasonal distribution of microplastics in surface waters of 13 rivers discharging into the Caspian Sea in Iran, providing baseline contamination data for a region previously lacking systematic microplastic monitoring.
Microplastic pollution in the riverine ecosystems has caught many attentions in the scientific literatures. However, little information is available about the abundance and distribution of microplastics of the rivers discharging to the Caspian Sea. The aim of this study was to assess the spatial and seasonal distribution of microplastics in the surface waters of thirteen rivers discharging to the southern Caspian Sea. Microplastics were found in all stations with uneven distributions. The average concentrations of microplastics in the stations during snowmelt and dry seasons were 1.406 ± 0.1380 microplastics/m and 0.4070 ± 0.01500 microplastics/m, respectively. Positive gradients of the rivers microplastics concentration from upstream to downstream were found. White/transparent polyethylene (PE) particles with the shape of fragment/film and the length (L) of ≤ 1 mm were the most common microplastics in the surface waters of the rivers discharging to the southern Caspian Sea. Also, the mean concentration of microplastics in spring snowmelt and runoff period was 3.45 times higher than in dry period. Factors such as sewage and household wastes; landfills; and recreational-tourism, fishing and agricultural activities along the rivers may contribute to microplastic contamination in downstream stations. Our data provide baseline information of microplastics in surface waters of rivers discharging to the southern Caspian Sea.
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Sources and hotspots of microplastics of the rivers ending to the southern Caspian Sea
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Researchers surveyed bank sediments from 13 rivers flowing into the southern Caspian Sea across two seasons and found microplastics at all sites with concentrations not significantly different between seasons, suggesting persistent rather than episodic contamination sources in these river systems.
Microplastic pollution in inshore and offshore surface waters of the southern Caspian Sea
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This first comprehensive survey of microplastics in both inshore and offshore surface waters of the southern Caspian Sea found microplastics throughout the basin, with higher concentrations near the coast and in river outflow zones.
Spatial Heterogeneity of Microplastic Contamination in Coastal Surface Waters: A Case Study of 21 Stations in the Southern Caspian Sea, Iran.
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Researchers tested coastal seawater at 21 sites along Iran's southern Caspian Sea coast and found microplastics at every location, with levels dropping farther from shore. Mazandaran province, near heavy tourism and urban areas, had the highest contamination, and most particles were fibers made of polyethylene or polypropylene, materials common in packaging and fishing gear.
Microplastic particles in sediments and waters, south of Caspian Sea: Frequency, distribution, characteristics, and chemical composition
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Researchers assessed microplastic occurrence in coastal sediments and surface waters along the southern Caspian Sea coast in Iran, finding mean concentrations of 15 items/kg in sediments and 710 items/m3 in coastal water. Fibers dominated at 97% of all MPs in both media and were predominantly black-colored, with smaller particles more prevalent in water than sediments.
Characteristics and Seasonal Distribution of Microplastics in the Surface Waters of Southwest Coast of the Caspian Sea (Guilan Province, Iran)
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Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in surface waters along the southwest coast of the Caspian Sea in Iran across four seasons, finding an average of over 1,000 microplastic particles per cubic meter. Concentrations varied by season and location, with fibers being the most common type found.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.