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Microplastic Contamination of Surface Sediment of Euphrates River, Iraq: A Preliminary Study
Summary
This preliminary study found microplastics in all surface sediment samples collected along the Euphrates River in Iraq, with fibers being the most abundant type. The findings represent the first documentation of microplastic contamination in this important river system.
Abstract Microplastics pollutants in sediment have been notified in freshwater and estuaries from different countries. However, microplastics abundance, distribution, and polymer types in surface sediment from Euphrates River were reported for the first time. Microplastics were found in all sediment sites along the river, and abundance ranging from 29.6 to 120.0 particles/kg dry, with an average 86.7 particles/kg dry. Fiber particles were the most predominant form (57.1%), followed by films (29.6.2%) and fragments (13.1%). The polymers identified using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) which was dominantly polyethylene (44.1%), polyethylene terephthalate (35.0%) and nylon (20.2%). It is clear that the microplastics levels in sediment from Euphrates river were polluted and these data will be useful for manage and rehabilitation the Iraqi rivers to reduce possible microplastics pollution.