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Microplastic pollution in two remote rivers of Türkiye
Sedat Gündoğdu1, Banu Kutlu2, Tahir Özcan3
1Faculty of Fisheries, Department of Basic Sciences, Cukurova University, 01330, Adana, Turkey. sgundogdu@cu.edu.tr.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
|June 1, 2023
Summary
Microplastic pollution is present in Türkiye's Munzur and Pülümür Rivers, impacting freshwater ecosystems. Concentrations varied, with higher levels found near urban areas, highlighting the widespread nature of this environmental threat.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
- Water Quality Assessment
Background:
- Microplastic pollution is a growing global concern, primarily studied in marine environments.
- Limited research exists on microplastic contamination in freshwater systems, particularly in inland rivers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify microplastic pollution in the Munzur and Pülümür Rivers and their tributaries flowing into Uzunçayır Dam Lake, Türkiye.
- To characterize microplastic types, sizes, and polymer composition in these freshwater systems.
Main Methods:
- Water samples were collected from 23 stations along the rivers.
- Microplastic concentrations were measured in particles per cubic meter (MP/m³).
- Microplastic types (fiber, film, fragment, glitter), sizes, and polymer types (polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Microplastic concentrations ranged from 0.01 MP/m³ to 28.21 MP/m³.
- Higher concentrations were observed near urban centers.
- Polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene were the most common polymers identified.
- Average microplastic size was 1.46 ± 0.05 mm.
Conclusions:
- Microplastic contamination is evident in the studied remote rivers of Türkiye.
- Urban proximity significantly influences microplastic levels in freshwater.
- Further research is needed to understand the ecological impact of microplastics in these inland water bodies.
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