Microplastic Pollution Profile of Pazarsuyu Stream (Giresun, Türkiye)

Abstract

In this study, microplastic (MP) profiles in water, sediment and fish samples from three stations along the Pazarsuyu Stream, one of the important water resources in the Bulancak district of the Black Sea Region, were investigated. Water, sediment and fish samples were collected seasonally and the presence, type and amount of microplastics were determined. Both microscopic and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy techniques were used to analyze and identify the MPs. In the analysis conducted for all stations, a total of 480 MPs per kilogram were found in sediment samples, while 0.75 MPs per liter were found in water samples and 5.3 MPs per gram were found in the stomach contents of fish. The dominant color of MPs in water and sediment samples observed in the study is black, while the dominant color in stomach contents of fish is blue and black. In the analysis of polymer shapes from the collected water and sediment microplastics in this study, fibers were the dominant group. Conversely, fragments were predominantly found in stomach contents. Based on the FT-IR analysis results PP (Polypropylene) and PE (Polyethylene) were identified as the most abundant MP polymer types. Microplastics were also found in the digestive systems of fish, indicating a potential risk of passage into the food chain. This study reveals the extent of microplastic pollution in the Pazarsuyu Stream ecosystem and emphasizes the need for further research in terms of its potential effects on aquatic life and human health in the region. It also provides important data to local governments and stakeholders for pollution reduction strategies.

Keywords

• Fish
• freshwater
• microplastic
• sediment.

Pazarsuyu Deresi’nin (Giresun, Türkiye) Mikroplastik Kirlilik Profili

Abstract

Bu çalışmada, Karadeniz Bölgesi'nde yer alan Bulancak ilçesindeki önemli su kaynaklarından biri olan Pazarsuyu Deresi boyunca üç istasyondan su, sediment ve balık örneklerindeki mikroplastik (MP) profili araştırılmıştır. Su, sediment ve balık örnekleri mevsimsel olarak toplanmış ve mikroplastiklerin varlığı, türü ve miktarı belirlenmiştir. Mikroplastikleri analiz etmek ve tanımlamak için hem mikroskobik hem de ATR-FTIR spektroskopisi teknikleri kullanılmıştır. Tüm istasyonlar için yapılan analizde, sediment örneklerinde 480 adet/kg olduğu ortaya çıkarken, su örneklerinde 0,75 adet/L olduğu, balıkların mide içeriklerinde ise 5,3 adet/g rastlanmıştır. Çalışmada gözlenen su, sediment örneklerindeki MP’lerin baskın rengi siyah, balıkların mide içeriklerinde ise baskın renk mavi ve siyahtır. Araştırmada toplanan su ve sediment MP’lerinin polimer şekli analizinde baskın grup lif, mide içeriğinde ise fragment bulunmuştur. FT-IR analiz sonuçlarına göre, PP ve PE tespit edilen en bol MP polimer türleri olmuştur. Balıkların sindirim sistemlerinde de mikroplastiklere rastlanmış olup, bu durum besin zincirine potansiyel geçiş riskini işaret etmektedir. Bu çalışma, Pazarsuyu Deresi ekosistemindeki mikroplastik kirliliğinin boyutlarını ortaya koymakta ve bölgedeki sucul yaşam ve insan sağlığı üzerindeki potansiyel etkileri açısından daha fazla araştırmanın gerekliliğini vurgulamaktadır. Ayrıca, yerel yönetim ve paydaşlara kirliliği azaltma stratejileri için önemli veriler sunar.

Keywords

• Balık
• mikroplastik
• sediment
• tatlı su.

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