Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Microplastic pollution has become an inevasible problem for all ecosystems. Many studies have investigated their potential sources in different systems. Yet, efficient actions require further knowledge, including the pathways between connected systems, such as rivers and lagoons. Therefore, sediment samples collected from Kizilirmak River, 5 connected lagoons, and the seabed were examined. The river had the highest microplastic abundance, and the seabed the lowest. Microplastic abundance between sampled lagoons was similar. Similarly, average microplastic sizes showed no difference between sampled sites. The higher microplastic abundance observed in river sediments suggests that the Kızılırmak River may represent an important potential source or transport pathway of microplastics to the delta system. Yet Findings of this study are an important insight for the current literature by contributing the knowledge required for potential action plans.
Institution: Ordu University
Language: English
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Awards: G4461442882, G8225011433
OpenAlex ID: W7204939083