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Determination of microplastics and large plastics in the sediments of the Golden Horn Estuary (Halic), Istanbul, Turkey
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Scientists tested sediment from Istanbul's Golden Horn Estuary and found it heavily contaminated with plastic debris, including tiny microplastic fragments (smaller than a grain of rice) mixed in with larger plastic pieces. This matters because microplastics in waterways can enter the food chain through fish and shellfish, and eventually end up on our plates, though this particular study focused on measuring the pollution rather than testing health effects.
ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to assess the microplastic (1–5 mm) and large plastic (>5 mm) contamination levels in the sediments of the Golden Horn Estuary (Halic), Istanbul, Turkey. The seasonal sediment samples were collected from seven stations in the estuary from May 2017 to February 2018. The size class and abundance by the number and weight of the plastics (microplastics and large plastics) within the sediment samples were examined. The total plastic abundance by number was recorded as 566 particles/kg wet sediment and determined to be 115 (20.3%) in spring, 105 (18.6%) in summer, 103 (18.2%) in autumn, and 243 (42.9%) in winter. The most common size was >5 mm plastics (198 particles), followed by microplastics in the range of 1–2 mm (118 particles). The plastic abundance by weight in total was identified as 11.1258 g/kg wet sediment. The results of this preliminary study showed that the Golden Horn Estuary (Halic) was contaminated by plastic debris.
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Researchers conducted the first year-long study of microplastic and nanoplastic pollution in coastal sediments on Istanbul's south coast, finding average concentrations of about 1,364 particles per kilogram and an extreme hazard index score, with microorganisms colonizing particle surfaces indicating potential for microplastics to carry pathogens into the marine environment.
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Researchers analyzed microplastic abundance in beach sediments at Menekse Beach on Turkey's Marmara Sea, finding mean concentrations of over 25,000 items/kg—notably higher when detected by fluorescent microscopy than standard stereomicroscopy—with fragments and fine-grained sediments dominating. The high contamination levels linked to wastewater discharge and recreational activities in Istanbul illustrate how densely populated coastal cities act as major microplastic sinks in semi-enclosed seas.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.