Revista de Engenharia Civil e Ambiental

Micro Plastic Identification and Abundance in the First Marine Protected Area of Pakistan (Astola Island) and Other Nearby Beaches

Abstract

Misbah Younis*, Uzaira Rafique, Asama Jabeen and Faisal Ali Baloch

Microplastics (MPs) pollution is a most burning concern as they pose threats to marine organisms and their ecosystem. However, there is limited information for MPs availability in the marine environment, especially in Pakistan. The current study was conducted with the objective of investigating microplastic number, shape and color in the water and sediments of Ras Zarrin, Ras Juddi, Pasni Creek and Ormara beach and Astola Island. Comparisn of MPs contamination in the first marine protected area (Astola Island) and other coastal areas of Balochistan. Our results demonstrated that greater concentration of microplastics in the sediments as compared to water samples. According to this study, the most polluted areas in the following order Astola Island>Ras Juddi>Ormara beach>Pasni creek>Ras zarrin. In water samples the number of micro plastics investigated 9 items/100 L as compared to sediments 103 items/10 g. The dominant colors were black, blue, green, red and white. Size ranges (1 mm to 5 mm) and has shape of fibers and fragments mostly. This research study highlights the need of proper plastic waste management system and should be create awareness to the local residents, tourists and stakeholders about plastic pollution catastrophes in these areas.