Abstract Microplastic (MP) particles have emerged as ubiquitous and persistent contaminants in aquatic environments worldwide, posing increasing ecological concerns due to their widespread distribution and potential impacts on ecosystem health. To assess their occurrence in the Oman Gulf, water and sediment samples were collected during the summer of 2024 and analyzed for MP contamination. MP concentrations in sediments ranged from 2 to 397 MPs/Kg dry weight (mean: 94 MPs/Kg dry weight) and in water from 1 to 275 MPs/m 3 (mean: 63 MPs/m 3 ), with the highest levels in urban and recreational areas. The highest abundances were observed in urban areas.The samples were analyzed using a two-step density-based separation method, acid digestion, visual counting under a microscope, Micro-Raman spectroscopy, and SEM-EDX analysis. MPs fibers were more common in the water, probably due to the use of fishing nets and clothing. In contrast, fragmented MPs dominated the sediments due to the use of various buckets, toys, packaging and bottles. White was the most common color in all samples, probably due to the widespread use of white clothing, fishing nets and the hulls of fishing and recreational boats among the people of the region. PP was the most common polymer detected in most areas due to its widespread use in packaging, textiles and various industries. PHI values for sediment samples are classified as category III. PHI values for water samples are classified as risk class III and II. PLI for the sediments and water are in risk class II - IV. PERI values for water samples are classified as risk class I - IV. In this study, urban and recreational areas were found to have high risks. Given these findings, it is essential to implement measures such as environmental regulations for plastic production and consumption, large-scale plastic separation and recycling, and promoting public education and awareness about the harmful effects of plastics.
Kamani et al. (Tue,) studied this question.