(Liha-Pres, 2023) Tunali Mehmet Meric; Myronyuk, Oleksiy
Plastic pollution affects ecosystems worldwide, with
microplastics (MPs) being a major concern. This study evaluates
MP abundance in soils impacted by human activities in different areas in
Istanbul. Results indicate recreational areas have the highest MP content,
while residential areas have the lowest. Industrial areas have intermediate
levels. Particle shapes vary by category, with fibers most prevalent
in recreational areas. FT-IR spectrometry analysis identified the types
of MPs present, with the recreational areas containing polymers undergoing
hydrolysis. The industrial zone’s MP contamination was recent and relatively
clean, while the PE plastic in Dilovası showed little weathering.