Background Microplastic pollution has emerged as one of the most significant challenges to marine environments worldwide. These particles originate mainly from the fragmentation of larger plastic debris and consumer plastic products. Coastal waters of Bushehr City, influenced by intensive human activities, maritime traffic, and local hydrodynamic conditions, are particularly vulnerable to the accumulation of microplastics.
Aim: This study aimed to investigate the abundance and spatial distribution of microplastics in the coastal waters of Bushehr City, located along the Persian Gulf.
Methodology: A total of 30 surface water samples were collected from 10 sampling stations along the urban coastline of Bushehr. Microplastics were identified and characterized in terms of morphology and polymer type using a stereomicroscope and Raman spectroscopy. Descriptive statistical analyses were applied to assess the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in seawater samples.
Results: The mean abundance of microplastics varied among sampling stations, with values of 183 ± 5 (Lian), 249 ± 25 (Rishahr), 261 ± 14 (Desalination Plant), 95 ± 15 (Pardis), 133 ± 28 (Shoghab), 120 ± 6 (Oil Tanker Area), 85 ± 6 (Jofreh), 68 ± 7 (Olympic Hotel), 192 ± 8 (Seyadat), and 83 ± 6 (Gomrok). White-colored microplastics were dominant across all stations. Overall color distribution followed the order: white (46%), black (24.4%), transparent (7.8%), red (7%), blue (6.5%), green (3.9%), and yellow (3.5%). Fibers were the predominant shape at most stations, except at the desalination plant and Shoghab stations, where fragments were more abundant. Polymer analysis revealed polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) as the most prevalent polymers.
Conclusions: The predominance of fibrous microplastics and the widespread occurrence of PP and PS highlight the significant influence of urban and coastal activities on microplastic contamination in the coastal waters of Bushehr. These findings emphasize t