Comparison of abundance, shape, and type of microplastics in sediments surrounding coral reef ecosystems in the northern Persian Gulf Islands (Case study: Qeshm, Kish and Shidvar)
Document Type : Research Paper
Author
Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources, Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
10.22059/jne.2025.392682.2792
Abstract
The expansion of pollutant dynamics in the fragile ecosystem of the Persian Gulf has led to widespread coral bleaching and degradation. A paradigm shift in the current management of coral reef conservation, utilizing existing resources and coastal potential, is essential for achieving sustainable development goals. The current study aimed to establish baseline data for assessing microplastic (MP) pollution, which is one of the most important emerging environmental challenge for coral reefs in the northern Persian Gulf islands (Qeshm, Kish and Shidvar) in 2023. Sediment samples (0–5 cm depth) were collected using a Van Veen grab, followed by laboratory analysis to determine MPs abundance, distribution, size, color, and type. Sediment texture analysis showed that the ratio (mean percentage±standard deviation) of sand and silt+clay in marine sediments is equal to 50.72%±4.70 and 49.28%±3.32, respectively. The results of observations of microplastics (separated into fiber, fragment, film, and pellet particles) showed that the total number of these particles in the marine sediments of the studied coral ecosystems was 118, 56, 11, and 3 particles, respectively. Island-specific MP abundance followed Qeshm > Kish > Shidvar. Fibers dominated MP shapes, with polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and nylon as the most common polymers. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in fragment and film abundance among sites (P<0.05). This study provides foundational data for developing targeted management strategies under Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) to safeguard coral reefs in this ecologically sensitive region.
Keywords
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