Contamination of microplastics in Anzali Wetland sediments

Description

Introduction
Nowadays, the production and use of plastics has become commonplace all over the world, including Iran, and this pollutant has been used regardless of its harmful effects and has been added to its value in nature and ecosystems day by day. That is, they are also present on the southern coast of Iran, the Caspian Sea, as well as inland water bodies such as the Anzali Wetland. Due to the spread of this type of environmental pollution, plastic pollution, especially microplastics, is now a serious threat to the Caspian Sea and the Anzali Wetland. Plastic parts smaller than 5 mm are called “microplastic”. Microplastics in two forms in the environment:

1. Pollution from plastics produced in the form of microplastics, known as primary microplastics, and

Secondary microplastics contamination in which very small pieces of plastic result from the decomposition of larger plastic debris into water and land. In any case, microplastics enter aquatic ecosystems from industrial and other human activities, such as coastal tourism, recreational or commercial fishing, and marine fleets.
Anzali Wetland is one of the most important water bodies in the country today exposed to various industrial, agricultural and urban pollution. Due to the importance of this wetland, it seeks to identify the microplastic pollutants entering this wetland and its most important input channels. In this study, the abundance, distribution and type of microplastics in sediments of four sampling sites of Anzali Wetland including Pirbazar Roga or Sausa Roga, Aunt Ruga or Whale at the outlet of the Anzali Wetland, and the Khonkhaleh site, Shakirz, respectively. Entrances to Anzali Wetland are reviewed.