Spatial distribution and characterization of microplastics in crayfish from inland waters of Türkiye

ERYAŞAR A. R., MUTLU T., Veske E., GEDİK K.

HYDROBIOLOGIA, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s10750-025-06011-z
  • Dergi Adı: HYDROBIOLOGIA
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Animal Behavior Abstracts, Aqualine, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Environment Index, Geobase, Pollution Abstracts, Public Affairs Index, Veterinary Science Database
  • Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants in freshwater ecosystems, yet their distribution patterns and drivers remain poorly understood. This study tested four hypotheses: (H1) that MP abundance in crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus) differs significantly among lakes with varying anthropogenic pressures; (H2) that MP morphology and polymer types are indicative of localized pollution sources; (H3) that fiber-shaped MPs dominate due to wastewater and textile inputs; and (H4) that spatial variation exists in MP color and polymer diversity. A total of 200 crayfish were collected from eight lakes in T & uuml;rkiye. MPs were detected in 62% of individuals. Significant spatial variations in MP abundance were observed. Keban Dam Lake had 5 x higher MP concentrations in crayfish than Mamasin Dam Lake. Fibers (48%) and fragments (45%) were the most prevalent shapes; polyethylene (35%) and PET (29%) were the most common polymers. The results support all four hypotheses, highlighting the influence of land use, wastewater inputs, and atmospheric deposition on MP pollution. This study positions crayfish as effective bioindicators for monitoring freshwater microplastic contamination and underlines the need for targeted mitigation strategies.