Microplastic pollution profile and potential ecological risk of in Aksu Stream (Giresun, Türkiye)

Abstract

The microplastic (MP) profile in water and sediment samples collected from five stations along Aksu Stream, which serves as a drinking water source for Giresun province, was investigated. The presence and characterization of MPs in the samples were determined using both microscopic and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy techniques. The study revealed 910 items kg-1 of MPs in sediment samples, while 0.65 items L-1 were found in water samples. The dominant color of MPs observed in the study was transparent. The most prevalent size range of MPs was between 0-50 µm, and the dominant shape in the polymer analysis of MPs collected from Aksu Stream was fiber. According to FT-IR analysis results, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) were the most abundant MP polimer types detected. When assessing the potential ecological risk of MPs, it was determined that the stream falls into damage and risk categories III (High) and IV (Hazard). This research adds to the expanding body of evidence indicating that microplastic contamination is pervasive in freshwater environments. It is urgent to reduce MP waste generation in order to protect aquatic ecosystems and human health.