Spatio-Temporal Distribution and Characterization of Microplastic Pollution in The Three Main Freshwater Systems (Aksu and Köprü Streams, Manavgat River) And Fishing Grounds Located in Their Vicinities in The Antalya Bay

Abstract

Microplastic pollution is one of the pressing environmental issues over the world that pose risks to aquatic ecosystems and humans. Significant amount of anthropogenic plastic litter known to be transported with freshwater systems to marine environment. The aim of the present study is to reveal the abundance and spatio-temporal distribution of MPs pollution in the three main freshwater systems (Aksu and Kopru Streams, Manavgat River), located through the costal line of the Antalya Bay. 106 water samples obtained from these three freshwater systems and fishing grounds located in the vicinities of these systems were evaluated. A total of 2444 MPs with a mean size of 1777.16 +/- 1168.81 mu m detected within these samples. A homogeneous MPs pollution was observed in the area. Four colours (Black-27.3%, White-19.4%, Red 18.7% and Blue-16.2%) found to composed more than 80% of the detected MPs. Majority of MPs detected within the framework of the study were fiber (57.1%) and fragment (32.6%). Most common polymer type was Polyproplene-(PP) with 50%. Results obtained from this study have the potential to form the basis for future studies that take into account the terrestrial use and the prevailing physical factors in the region in the study area.