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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.
The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence, abundance and distribution of microplastics (MPs) in the southwest coast of the Caspian Sea in four seasons. Three stations were chosen and their surface waters were sampled between April 2019 and February 2020. The average number of MPs was 1.37 ± 0.47 items/m and the predominant frequency in different seasons were as follows: summer > autumn > spring > winter. MPs were dominated by fiber in shape. Black and blue were the most common colors respectively. The size was in the range of 0.3-5 mm with a mean of 1.44 ± 1.08 mm. Due to Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy equipped with attenuated total reflection (ATR-FTIR), four different polymers were identified dominating by polypropylene. The low MP concentrations detected in the present study can be related to lower sewage inlet and more MPs sedimentation in the investigated stations.
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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.
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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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Researchers documented the occurrence, abundance, and distribution of microplastics in sediments and surface waters of Anzali coastal wetland on the southwest Caspian Sea, finding concentrations between 140-2,820 items/kg dry weight in sediments and up to 4.41 items/m3 in surface water. Fibers were the most common shape and concentrations were higher in the dry season, with the wetland serving as a significant microplastic sink.
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