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Mapping Microplastics in Zarivar Lake's Water Column, Western Iran: A Study on Abundance, Composition, and Ecological Risk Assessment
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Spatial mapping of Zarivar Lake in western Iran using stereomicroscopy, SEM, and FTIR identified a mean microplastic concentration of 35.8 particles/L throughout the water column, with polystyrene, polypropylene, polyamide, PET, and polyurethane all detected. As a large freshwater lake supporting unique local biodiversity, Zarivar's contamination highlights the global reach of microplastic pollution into inland water bodies far from industrial centers.
The ubiquitous presence of microplastics (MPs) in marine ecosystems has raised global concerns due to their persistent nature, low density, and significant harm to marine environments life. Given the unique specifications and associated risks of MPs to unique organisms and different species inhabiting Zarivar lake, this study aimed to assess the distribution of MPs in water column of this large freshwater lake. Samples were collected from 15 stations across the lake and analyzed for MPs abundance, shape, size, color and polymer type using stereomicroscopy, SEM, and FTIR. Spatial analysis using ArcGIS was conducted to map the distribution of MPs across the lake. The mean abundance of MPs was 35.8 particles/L. The presence of MPs in samples of Zarivar lake was confirmed, with a predominance of fiber and fragment-shaped MPs of various sizes. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed the presence of polymers such as polystyrene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, polyurethane, and polyvinyl carbonate. The existence of these MPs poses a significant threat to this local ecosystem.
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