Exploring of microplastics abundance and composition distributed in the sediment of the Gorgan Bay, Caspian Sea

Gorgan Bay is one of the ecologically important areas of the Caspian Sea. Fundamental information on the pollution status of this region is necessary to run a properly management program for this environment. Moreover, Microplastic is spreading to all level of aquatic environment and considered as a globally issue which is the serious threats to biota. Since they might be ingested by living organisms, they are transferring through the food chain from the lower trophic level to the higher trophic level. So, a study conducted for evaluation of microplastic contents in sediments, from ۳ areas (North, central, South) through sampling from ۲۱ stations. Microplastics (MPs) abundance in sediments was from ۸۰±۲۵ to ۷۴۰±۱۰۵ n/kg. Fibers, Black MPs, and size of ۱- ۲ mm (۴۲.۴%) were the most MPs in sediment. The results of this study present the comprehensive information on MPs distribution and charecteristics in Gorgan Bay which could be a start point for further research on MPs effect on organisms of the Caspian Sea.

Keywords:

Microplastic , Sediment , Caspian Sea , Gorgan Bay