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Spatio-temporal distribution of microplastic abundances in Izmir Bay (eastern Aegean Sea)

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Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) and their impacts have been extensively studied in the Mediterranean region. However, more research has yet to be conducted on assessing the extent of microplastic (MP) pollution in the eastern Aegean Sea, specifically in Izmir Bay. This study aims to evaluate the current state of MP pollution in surface water and sediment samples collected from Izmir Bay. Ten sampling stations were specifically selected, including locations near stream discharge points, maritime transportation piers, and port areas. Surface water samples were collected using a manta trawl net, while sediment samples were obtained using a Van Veen grab. The mean MP abundances in surface water ranged from 1,083,882 to 8,091,684 items/km2. Fragment type MPs were dominant. In terms of size category, it was found that MP s of 500µm size were dominant. The dominant color of MPs was white. ATR-FTIR analyses revealed that polyethylene and polypropylene were the dominant polymer types. MP concentrations in sediment ranged from 2,125 to 4,925 items/m2, with fiber-type MPs being the most abundant. Black-colored MPs were found to dominate in sediment samples. Overall, the MP levels in Izmir Bay were higher than previous studies findings. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct long-term monitoring studies to obtain more consistent and reliable data on MP pollution levels in Izmir Bay.

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All data generated or analyzed during the study are included in this manuscript and its supplementary information file. Additional raw data available upon request from the corresponding author.

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Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank the R/V Egederin and R/V Egesüf crew for their support during the sample collection. Authors also would like thank Dr. Levent Yurga for his help preparing supplementary Fig. S1.

Funding

This study was funded by Ege University, Office of Scientific Research Projects. Project no: 21064.

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  1. Fisheries Faculty, Department of Marine–Inland Waters Sciences and Technology, Ege University, 35100, Bornova-Izmir, Türkiye

    Mehmet Aksu, Aslı Başaran & Uğur Sunlu

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  1. Mehmet Aksu
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  2. Aslı Başaran
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  3. Uğur Sunlu
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Contributions

Aslı Başaran: conceived the study, collected the samples, performed laboratory analysis, analyzed the results, wrote the manuscript, edited, and reviewed the text. Mehmet Aksu: conceived the study, collected the samples, performed laboratory analysis, analyzed the results, wrote the manuscript, edited, and reviewed the text. Uğur Sunlu: conceived the study, collected the samples, edited, and reviewed the text. All authors approved the final version of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Mehmet Aksu.

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Aksu, M., Başaran, A. & Sunlu, U. Spatio-temporal distribution of microplastic abundances in Izmir Bay (eastern Aegean Sea). Environ Monit Assess 195, 1116 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-023-11790-w

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