Determination of atmospheric microplastic concentration levels in Çorlu and surrounding areas

Plastics are an economical, durable material with unique benefits, especially in the fields of healthcare, food, and construction. However, the increasing population and the preference for the practical use of single-use plastic products by the population have led to the accumulation of large volumes of non-biodegradable plastic waste. This situation causes not only waste management problems but also the accumulation of various fractions of plastics in water, soil, and atmospheric environments. Çorlu and its surroundings are among the most heavily industrialized areas of the region and the country. There are numerous businesses operating in the textile and plastic waste recycling sectors, which are known to be the most significant sources of MPs in the area. The region has also been impacted by intense urbanization parallel to increasing industrialization. However, no studies have been conducted to determine MP levels in the region. Within the scope of this study, atmospheric deposition and street dust were sampled from three points in Çorlu and its surroundings during three separate periods: areas with dense industry, areas with dense residential settlements, and a coastal area without pollution sources. MPs in the samples were identified in terms of quantity, shape, and color. According to the results obtained, the total MP values in atmospheric deposition samples ranged from 131 to 1,397 n/m2/day, while in street dust samples, they ranged from 9,810 to 213,485 n/kg. It was observed that black dots and black fragments predominated in both matrices. It was determined that the contribution of atmospheric deposition to MP values in street dust samples was between 20-40%, and the obtained values were found to be consistent with the literature.