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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.
The occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in beach sediments of the southern Caspian Sea was well documented, however, there are still many unknowns about the abundances and distributions of MPs in the rivers ending to the Caspian Sea. Here, bank sediments of 26 sites in the thirteen rivers were surveyed in two seasons. However, there was not any significant difference (p > 0.05) between the concentrations of MPs during the two seasons. MPs were detected in all samples with mean concentrations of 214.08 ± 14.35 MPs/kg. The most common size, shape, color, and polymer types of MPs were L < 300 μm, fragment/film, white/transparent, and polystyrene (PS), respectively. In all rivers, positive MP gradients from upstream to downstream were observed. Maximum concentrations of MPs were found in the downstream parts of Chalus, Haraz, and Safarud rivers. Recreational-tourism and fishing activities had significant positive relationships (p < 0.05) with concentration of MPs in the rivers.
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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.
Microplastics in Sediments of Southwest Caspian Sea: Characteristics, Distribution and Seasonal Variability
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This study monitored microplastic contamination in Caspian Sea sediments across four seasons, finding plastic particles present at all times and locations with an average of nearly 400 particles per kilogram of sediment. Seasonal variation in microplastic abundance was detected, likely linked to wind and current patterns that affect particle transport and deposition.
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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.
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.
Dropping the microbead: Source and sink related microplastic distribution in the Black Sea and Caspian Sea basins
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Researchers assessed microplastic distribution in sediments of the Black Sea and Caspian Sea basins, finding that proximity to rivers and shorelines was a stronger predictor of microplastic concentration than water depth or sediment grain size.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.