MICROPLASTIC CONTAMINATION OF BOTTOM SEDIMENTS OF THE SEA OF AZOV


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Abstract

This paper aims at assessment of microplastics concentrations in bottom sediments of the Sea of Azov, and research of morphological features, size of particles, level, ways of degradation (or destruction) of microplastics and its chemical composition. During the study, 27 samples of bottom sediments of the Sea of Azov were taken. The samples were processed using the modified method NOAA. The analysis showed pollutant presence in 100 % of the samples. The concentration of microplastics particles in sediment samples from different regions varies from 27 to 130 pcs/kg, with an average of 69 pcs/kg. Three zones of increased pollution of bottom sediments have been identified: the eastern part of the Taganrog Bay (80–97 pcs/kg), which is in the zone of influence of the Kuban River, the region of the Kerch pre-strait – the zone of influence of the Black Sea waters (more than 80 pcs/kg). The central areas of the sea bottom covered with fine-silt and pelitic silts as well as the waters of Kazantip and Arabat Bays are relatively clean, with a microplastic content less than the average values for the water area. Morphological features of the particles were studied using a stereo microscope (Micromed MC-1 2C Digital). Translucent fibres and membranes prevailed in all the samples. Study of size showed that the most frequently observed are particles of 0.4–0.5 mm, the median of size range being 0.6 mm. Types of microplastics degradation were determined by using a scanning electron microscope (VEGA II LMU) in the form of fracturing, splitting, dissection, swelling, etc. By means of a JASCO FT/IR-6800 FT-IR spectrometer, it was found that most of the detected particles consist of: acrylic, polyamide (nylon), thermoplastic polymers, polyethylene, polyester and polystyrene.

About the authors

A. E Glushko

Institute of Earth Sciences of the Southern Federal University

Email: arinaglushko01@gmail.com
Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation

L. A Bespalova

Institute of Earth Sciences of the Southern Federal University

Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation

E. V Bespalova

Institute of Earth Sciences of the Southern Federal University

Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation

T. B Kartamysheva

Azov-Black Sea branch of the Federal State Budget Scientific Institution “Russian Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and oceanography”

Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation

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