Microplastic Pollution and Coastal Anthropogenic Pressure in the Caspian Sea Basin Through Systematic Review and Secondary Data Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajenr.v5i1.8234Keywords:
Anthropogenic Pressure, Caspian Sea, Coastal Pollution, Microplastics, Secondary Data, Sustainable ManagementAbstract
Microplastic pollution is a new environmental issue in the Caspian Sea Basin, which is facing growing environmental pressures due to waste production, maritime transport, tourism, urbanisation, and recreational activities. The purpose of this study is to prepare a synthesis of the available evidence regarding the presence of microplastic in the Caspian region and to use secondary data analysis to evaluate the anthropogenic pressures in a systematic review. The reviewed peer-reviewed studies and open research data were analysed to retrieve data on study location, environmental matrix, particle abundance, morphology, polymer composition and analytical method. As contextual pressure variables, official statistical indicators on waste generation, maritime freight transport and activity in tourism in Azerbaijan were also analysed. The public coastal zone of Zira and Absheron National Park were included as a pilot case study based on visual-microscopic field observations. The evidence examined reveals that current research is geographically focused on the southern portion of the Caspian region, especially the Iranian coast, and that there are large data gaps in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan. Fibres are one of the most commonly reported forms of particle in sediment, which is the most commonly investigated environmental matrix. In Azerbaijan, plastic-like anthropogenic particles showing microplastic characteristics were found in the protected coastal area as well as in the public use coastal area; microplastic-like anthropogenic particles were more morphologically diverse in the public use coastal area. Official statistics also show an increase in waste, in maritime pressure, and in tourism pressure. The results show the need for coordinated monitoring procedures, extended spatial sampling, chemical validation of the particles detected, and a better alignment of coastal pollution control with green economy policies.
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