Accumulation and distribution of microplastics in the sediment and coastal water samples of Chabahar Bay in the Oman Sea, Iran

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin Vol. 160; p. 111682
• Main Authors: Hosseini, Razieh, Sayadi, Mohammad Hossein, Aazami, Jaber, Savabieasfehani, Mozhgan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.11.2020; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Coastal waters; Colour; Commercial fishing; Containers; Density; Distribution; Fibers; Fishing; Fourier transforms; Infrared spectrometers; Marine environment; Micro FT-IR; Microplastics; Packaging; Polyethylene; Polyethylene terephthalate; Polymers; Sediment; Sediment samples; Sediments; Soil density; Stations; Surface water; Surface water and sediment; Water analysis; Water sampling; Iran; Marine environment; Microplastics; Micro FT-IR; Surface water and sediment
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111682

Frequency, distribution, color, and types of microplastics (<5 mm) in water and sediment of Chabahar Bay in southeastern Iran was investigated in 10 stations. Density of microplastics in water samples was between 86 and 362 particles/L (average density 218 ± 17 particle/L). In the sediment, microplastic density was between 112 and 468 particles/L (average density of 262 ± 17 particle/kg). The highest concentrations of microplastics were in stations adjacent to urban, commercial, recreational, and fishing sites. The most abundant forms in surface water and sediment were fragments (42.34%) and fibers (32.22%). Highest frequency colors were black, transparent, and white, respectively. A fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer was used to determine micro plastic composition. Polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate and nylon were detected. Polyethylene, a common packaging material made up 38% of the total polymers. Polyethylene terephthalate, used in clothing, liquid and food containers was found at 29% of the total microplastics. •Levels of microplastics in sediment and water of Chabahar Bay were investigated.•Fragments and fibers were most common in water and sediment.•<1 mm microplastics, had highest percentage in water and sediment.•Polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate and nylon were most abundant in Chabahar.