Investigation of microplastic pollution in Gemlik bay sediment and commercial fish species by microscopic and spectroscopic methods

In this study, which aims to determine the microplastic pollution in the Gemlik Bay sediment and commercial fish species, sediment samples were taken from 15 stations at different depths determined in the bay on 23-24 June 2021. 10 different species (Trachurus trachurus, Engraulis encrasicolus, Diplodus annularis, Chelidonichthys lucerna, Solea solea, Synapturichthys kleinii, Scorpaena porcus, Mullus barbatus, Spicara maena, Spicara flexuosa) and 123 individuals were obtained from a depth of 20 m by using a tangle net. In addition, the salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH of the seawater were measured at each sampling station. The highest accumulation of microplastics in the sediment is at the stations in the Gemport Harbor (9733,3 particles/kg), Kurşunlu (9466,6 particles/kg), and Karsak (8000 particles/kg) regions, respectively, and the lowest accumulation is at Kurşunlu deficits (3333,3 particles/kg). ), Tirilye- Kumyaka (3333,3 particles/kg), and Küçükkumla (3333,3 particles/kg) stations. These results show that microplastic pollution is more intense in areas where port areas and industrial discharge points are located. The highest microplastic accumulation per individual in the gills was in S. kleinii (14,5 particles) and S. maena (11 particles), and the lowest in T. trachurus (1,19 particles) and D. annularis (0,33 particles). seen. In the gastrointestinal tract, the highest accumulation is in C. lucerna (8,75 particles) and S. flexuosa (5,25 particles), the lowest accumulation in M. barbatus (3,31 particles) and D. annularis (0,88 particles) species determined. Fibril were the most determined type of microplastic in sediment and fish samples. Raman Spectrometer was used to determine the polymer structure of plastics. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that PVC and PP were dominant in the sediment, and POM and PPSU polymers were dominant in fish.