Scientific studies on microplastics pollution in Iran: An in-depth review of the published articles

This literature review was conducted to collect present data on microplastics pollution in Iran's ecosystems. Most of the studies performed in aquatic environment were conducted in Persian Gulf & Oman Sea (70%). The Persian Gulf, along with the beaches of Bushehr and Hormozgan Provinces, are the most studied areas. Moreover, most of the studies were conducted in aquatic environments and only four studies were conducted in terrestrial environment (4/42). One study has assessed microplastics in commercial salt and another study has reported the microplastics presence in Iranian bottled mineral water brands. The investigation of microplastics associated with biota was highlighted, customarily for fish species. Microplastics were also present in urban wastewater samples in Sari and Bandar Abbas cities. Three studies were performed in freshwater ecosystems until now (Haraz River, Anzali wetland, and Taleqan dam). The need for further studies in this field still exists, especially in terrestrial and freshwater compartments.

Automated summary

Microplastics pollution in Iran's ecosystems is mainly studied in aquatic environments, particularly in the Persian Gulf and the Oman Sea. Most studies focus on the presence of microplastics in marine organisms such as fish, as well as in commercial salt and bottled mineral water brands in Iran. Further research is needed, especially in terrestrial and freshwater compartments, to better understand the extent of microplastics pollution.