Identification of microplastics in coastal sediments of three ports of Dayer, Kangan, and Siraf in Bushehr province, Iran

Abstract

The microplastic particles in surface and deep sediments of the Persian Gulf coast located in three ports of Dayer, Kangan, and Siraf in Bushehr province, Iran were investigated. Sediment samples were collected from 18 stations in the low tide range of the Persian Gulf coast at two depths of 0–5 cm and 5–20 cm. After the separation of microplastics through the floating method, their characteristics were identified using a stereomicroscope. The average abundance of microplastics identified in surface and deep sediment were 587.77 ± 145.54 and 569.44 ± 131.16 items per kg dry sediment respectively. Identified microplastic shapes included fiber, fragment, film, and foam, that fiber particles having the highest abundance at both depths compared to the other shapes. Most of microplastic particles were in the range of 500–1000 μm, and they were blue, black, and green. The highest abundance of microplastics in ports was found at stations near residential and populated areas, and industrial areas. The results of this study provide useful information for further research to understand the sources of pollutants entering the environment and regular management to protect coastal areas.