Data on the microplastics contamination in water and sediments along the Haraz River estuary, Iran

The type and extent of microplastic contamination in water and sediment of Haraz River were evaluated. Water and sediment samples were collected using a planktonic trawl with a mesh size of 300 mu and a Van Veen grab, from February to May 2017. The morphology and elemental compounds of microplastic particles were analysed using SEM/EDX. Moreover, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was done for polymers identification; so that the data could be used for comparative analyses. The number of pieces per kg dry weight in sediments and per cubic meter sampled water was determined. Last but not least, plastic types were also distinguished. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.