Biomonitoring of Microplastics in Izmir Bay (Eastern Aegean Sea): Abundance, Polymer Characterization, and Ecological Risk Assessment in Saddled Seabream, Oblada melanurus (Linnaeus, 1758)
ANIMALS, cilt.16, sa.16, ss.1-22, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 16 Sayı: 16
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.3390/ani16162524
- Dergi Adı: ANIMALS
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), EMBASE, Directory of Open Access Journals, Zoological Record
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-22
- Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
In this study, we aimed to investigate the occurrence, characteristics and temporal dynamics
of microplastics (MPs) in the gastrointestinal tracts of saddled seabream (Oblada
melanurus) from Izmir Bay (Eastern Aegean Sea). Sampling was carried out monthly
during a one-year period (March 2021–February 2022) and MPs were identified by stereomicroscopy
and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Microplastics were identified in 115 of the
180 examined individuals, representing an overall frequency of occurrence (FO) of 63.89%.
A total of 298 microplastic items were recovered, corresponding to a mean abundance of
1.66 ± 0.35 items individual−1 across all examined fish (N = 180) and a mean intensity of
2.59 ± 0.41 items/individual among positive individuals (N = 115). The highest occurrence
(100%) was observed during December. Fibers were the most abundant morphotype (58%)
followed by fragments (39%). Black (56%) and blue (20%) particles were the most abundant colors. Size distribution was 105–4678 μm with mean length of 1370.08 ± 1122.74 μm. The
most frequently identified polymers were polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 29%), polyethylene
(PE, 19%) and polypropylene (PP, 18%). We did not find any significant relationships
between MP abundance and fish size, weight or sex (p > 0.05). The study area was classified
into high-risk category (Category IV) based on the value of Polymer Hazard Index
(PHI) (129.52). The results show temporal variability of MP ingestion, likely influenced by
seasonal conditions and anthropogenic activities.