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Microplastics in the surface seawaters of Chabahar Bay, Gulf of Oman (Makran Coasts)
Summary
Researchers conducted the first survey of microplastic pollution in the surface waters of Chabahar Bay in the Gulf of Oman. They found microplastic densities ranging up to 1.14 particles per cubic meter, with fibers being the most common shape and polyethylene and polypropylene the dominant polymer types. The highest concentrations were found near populated areas, suggesting that human activity is a major source of microplastic contamination in this coastal region.
Current study aimed to evaluate the microplastics abundance in the surface waters of Chabahar Bay for the first time. 21 neuston net water samples were collected from 7 stations. Microplastics were visually counted by stereomicroscope, sorted into 4 size categories, 4 shape categories, and identified by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Density of microplastics varied from 0.07 ± 0.03 to 1.14 ± 0.27 with an average density of 0.49 ± 0.43 particle·m. Microplastics were mostly found in the shape of fibers. 69% of analyzed particles were polyethylene and polypropylene. Main colors of the collected microplastics were white, blue and red. The results showed that the largest number of microplastics was found at station near populated area. Therefore, it can be concluded that, there is a pressing-need to investigate the distribution of microplastics in sediments and biota of this Bay as well as their effects on marine life and human health.