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Contamination, Identification and Distribution of Microplastic in Sediments, Surface Seawater and Four Species of Fish on the Northern Shores of the Persian Gulf, south of Iran

Research Square (Research Square) 2021 3 citations

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This study investigated microplastic contamination across sediments, surface waters, and organisms in a coastal or freshwater system. Researchers identified a range of polymer types and particle shapes, with results indicating widespread distribution throughout the sampled environment.

Polymers
Study Type Environmental

Abstract The purpose of this study is to investigate Microplastic pollution (MPs) in important ports of the northern coast of the Persian Gulf. MPs were identified on the northern shores of the Persian Gulf in three compartments: sediment, seawater, and four species of fish. In December 2019, sampling was conducted in 7 sampling areas. In this study, 357 MPs were identified in all samples. The predominant polymer in MPs was polypropylene (PP) and later polyethylene (PE). The most polluted areas in terms of MPs in sediments, seawater, and fish were Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, and Qeshm. The fiber was the predominant form of MPs in all sampling stations and those samples taken from the surface seawater, sediments, and fish. The presence of fishing ports with fishing tools, commercial ports, the tourist attractions, and the tourist industry in these areas was an important factor controlling the distribution of MPs in these areas.

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