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Identification of microplastics in the sediments of southern coasts of the Caspian Sea, north of Iran
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Researchers reported the first detection of microplastics in sediments along the southern Caspian Sea coast of Iran, finding concentrations between 25 and 330 items/kg with fibers as the dominant shape and polystyrene and polyethylene as the major polymer types. Higher concentrations were found near river mouths and areas with elevated fishing and tourism activity, revealing a patchy spatial distribution across the world's largest lake.
Microplastic (MPs) pollution in the aquatic and terrestrial environments has caught many attentions in the scientific literatures. Currently, no information is available about MPs pollution in Caspian Sea, the largest lake in the world. This study indicates the first report on the MPs pollution in the sediments of the southern Caspian coastal zones, northern Iran. Density separation method was conducted on 17 surficial sediments. The combination of observation techniques including SEM-EDS analysis, polarized light microscopy and Raman micro-spectroscopy were used to identify MPs. The abundance and size of microplastics in the samples ranged between 25 and 330 items/kg and 250-500 μm, respectively. Fibers constituted the most common MPs shape and polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE) were major polymer types in the samples. The distribution of MPs in the study area reflected a patchy and irregular spatial pattern implying that the higher MPs concentration are near mouth of permanent rivers and in the regions with higher level of the fishing and tourism activities. The results showed the wide occurrence of MPs in the sediments of the world's largest lake which extend the knowledge on MPs pollution in the marine system. We also recommend further research on microplastics in different compartments of Caspian Sea to inform policy discussions and the development of appropriate management responses.
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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.
Distribution and Characterization of Microplastics in Surface Waters and the Southern Caspian Sea Coasts Sediments
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Researchers investigated the distribution and characteristics of microplastics in surface waters and coastal sediments of the southern Caspian Sea across eight sampling stations, documenting concentrations and polymer types in the world's largest enclosed aquatic ecosystem.
Contamination of the Caspian Sea Southern coast sediments with microplastics: A marine environmental problem
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Microplastic occurrence was assessed in sediments from both recreational-tourism and non-tourist areas along the southern Caspian Sea coast of Iran. The study found microplastics at all sampling sites, with higher concentrations in tourist areas, establishing baseline contamination data for this large landlocked sea.
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.
Spatial Heterogeneity of Microplastic Contamination in Coastal Surface Waters: A Case Study of 21 Stations in the Southern Caspian Sea, Iran.
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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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