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Microplastics in the Black Sea sediments
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Microplastics in Black Sea sediments were characterized by occurrence, morphology, and polymer type for the first time, using samples collected across a depth range of 22 to 2131 meters. The study tested a non-invasive filtration method and found microplastics across the sampled depth range, demonstrating vertical distribution of plastic pollution in the Black Sea.
In this study the occurrence, morphology and identification of microplastics in Black Sea sediments collected at different depths (range 22-2131 m) were determined for the first time. The study explored the advantages and limitations of using a non-invasive method consisting of filtration of the supernatant from the mixture of sediment with saturated NaCl solution followed by FTIR 2D imaging for the identification of natural and synthetic polymers. The proposed method confirmed its potential for clear identification of polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile, polyamides and cellulose-based fibers, but more difficulties when the filter substrate neighboring the fibers exhibits intense absorptions in the 1800-1000 cm range. Microplastics (MPs) were determined in 83% of the investigated sediment samples. The average abundance in all samples was 106.7 items/kg. The highest pollution occurred on the North-Western shelf where the abundance of MPs was 10 times higher than in sediments from the deep sea. The most abundant plastic polymers were polyethylene and polypropylene, followed by acrylate and acrylonitrile copolymers. Polyamide and cellulose-based textile fibers were also found. The most frequent microplastic colors observed were black, blue and clear/transparent, while fibers represented the dominant microplastics in sediments.
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Researchers surveyed the bottom sediments of the western Black Sea and found microplastic particles at every sampling site, with fibers the most common shape and polyethylene/polypropylene the most common polymer types. The widespread presence across the shelf zone, without a clear pattern tied to distance from shore, suggests diffuse anthropogenic inputs rather than a single point source — a finding that complicates clean-up and monitoring efforts for this semi-enclosed sea.
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Microplastic abundance and characteristics were assessed along the southern Black Sea coastline, finding that over 70% of particles were smaller than 2.5 mm, with average concentrations of 64 particles/kg in beach sediment and 18.68 particles/m3 in seawater, and the Marmara region showing highest pollution.
Microplastic Accumulation in Deep-Sea and Surface Sediments on the GEOTRACE Med Black Sea Cruise: Composition, Distribution, and Polymer Characterization
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Scientists found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) scattered throughout Mediterranean Sea sediments, from shallow coastal waters all the way down to nearly 4,000 meters deep — showing that plastic pollution has spread even to the ocean's most remote depths. These plastics came in many forms, including common materials like polystyrene and polyethylene, which are used in everyday items like packaging and clothing. Since these seafloor sediments are part of the marine food web, this widespread contamination raises concerns about microplastics working their way up to the seafood many people eat, though more research is needed to understand the actual health risks.
Spatial Distribution and Index-Based Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in the Southern Black Sea
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Scientists tested waters and sediments along the southern Black Sea coast and found tiny plastic particles, mostly common plastics like polyethylene (used in bags and packaging), everywhere they looked, both in the water and on the seafloor. This matters because these coastal areas are often sources of seafood, and microplastics that build up in the environment can end up in the fish and shellfish people eat, though this study focused on mapping pollution levels rather than directly measuring health effects. The findings give researchers a baseline to track pollution trends and push for better plastic waste management in the region.
High microplastic pollution in marine sediments associated with urbanised areas along the SW Bulgarian Black Sea coast
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Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in beach and seabed sediments along the southwestern Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Urbanized coastal areas had significantly higher microplastic levels than non-urbanized areas, with seabed samples averaging over 800 particles per kilogram of dry sediment. The study identified sewage discharges, urban waste, fisheries, and marine litter accumulation as likely sources of the contamination.
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