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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.
Microplastic pollution is a growing, yet poorly understood problem. Here, we assessed the relationship between microplastic concentration and distance to rivers, shorelines, cities, sediment grain size or water depth in sediments of the world's largest (semi-)enclosed aquatic basins. Microplastic was extracted from sediment using density separation, elutriation and hydrophobic adhesion. Fibers and transparent or white microplastic particles were the most abundant shape and color. The microplastic concentration in sediments of the Black Sea was about twice as high compared to that in the Caspian Sea. Fragment concentrations decreased with depth, while fiber concentrations were independent of depth. Overall, no relationship with distance to shores, rivers and cities or with grain size was observed. However, within some depth classes concentrations were related to the distance from rivers, shores and cities.
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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.
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 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 distribution of microplastics in sandy beach and inshore-offshore sediments of the southern Caspian Sea
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This study documented microplastic distribution in both nearshore and offshore sediments of the southern Caspian Sea, finding that offshore areas also contain microplastics and that currents and wind patterns influence their spatial distribution.
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.
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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.