Investigation of Microplastic Pollution Along the Dalyan-Iztuzu (Eastern Mediterranean) Coastline

Abstract

In the present study, 14 sampling stations along the Dalyan-Iztuzu beach were sampled in June and July 2019 for the examination of microplastics. Samples were taken from surface waters (0-15 cm) using a manta trawl with a towing speed of 2 knots/h and a towing duration of 20 minutes. Microplastics were separated according to their shapes, types and sizes under a binocular stereo microscope. Results indicated that, the average density of microplastics were 0.148 ±0.07 particles/m2. Microplastic densities in the present study were lower compared to those of earlier studies carried out in the other parts of Mediterranean coasts and the Sea of Marmara.

Keywords

• dalyan
• mediterranean
• i̇ztuzu beach
• microplastics
• pollution
• protected area