Investigation of microplastic accumulation in the ecosystem (water, sediment, biota) of İzmir Bay
Project no. 21064 · Status: Kapanmış · 2019
Summary
<p>World plastic production has reached 335 million tons in 2016, from 1.7 million tons in the 1950s. As a result of increased consumption and the inability to dispose of wastes properly, the amount of plastic dumped into the seas and oceans has also increased and reached dangerous levels. Microplastics (primary microplastics) are formed because of abrasion, deterioration and physical breakdown of plastics thrown into the beaches and seas. In recent years, the production of micro and nano scale plastics (secondary microplastics) has increased the environmental potential risks even more. The potential of microplastics to increase the concentration of harmful chemicals in species intended for human consumption also raises concerns about human health. With the increase in microplastic pollution, research in the world on this subject have also increased. In our country, studies on microplastic pollution in the coastal area have started to increase. The extent of microplastic pollution in the Aegean Sea and the Izmir Bay ecosystem is not known. There is a significant amount of plastic waste entering the İzmir Bay from the surrounding residential areas, recreation areas, streams, sea traffic and port activities. However, the level of primary and secondary microplastic contamination caused by these inputs is uncertain. With this project, it is aimed to determine the extent of microplastic pollution in the bay and to establish a basis for future research in line with the results obtained. When the results of the research are evaluated in general, it was determined that the MP change on the water surface in İzmir Bay varied between 1017610,0 and 7674123,4 items/km2. The amount of microplastic in the investigated mussels was determined as 3.85 item/individual. Microplastic density in the examined fish varied between 0.55 and 1.3 items/individual.</p>