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<p>Plastic pollution has become a widespread global threat, putting significant pressure on aquatic ecosystems and other ecological areas. Chironomid larvae are effective bioindicators of microplastic pollution in freshwater environments because of their sediment-dwelling behavior and environmental sensitivity. This study investigated microplastic contamination in the Ergene River, an ecosystem significantly affected by intensive industrial activity, using chironomid larvae. In May 2025, larvae were collected from five stations along the Ergene River and its tributaries, especially in areas with high industrial activity. The results showed an average microplastic concentration of 63.28 ± 33.59 particles per gram of wet weight in the larvae. Fibers were the most common shape, accounting for 62% of particles. Color analysis indicated that most particles were black (34%), transparent (32%), and blue (22%). Raman spectroscopy revealed that the main polymers were polyacrylamide (PAA, 36%), polyamide (PA, 28%), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 15%). Based on the Polymer Hazard Index (PHI), PAA (PHI = 8280) and PA (PHI = 1400) were classified as “high hazard” (level IV), while PET (PHI = 60) and polystyrene (PS, PHI = 90) were categorized as “low hazard” (level II). The study suggests that the primary sources of microplastics in the region are discharges from organized industrial zones and that chironomid larvae may serve as potential bioindicators of this type of pollution.</p>

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Assessing microplastic hazards in freshwater ecosystems using chironomid larvae: insights from the Ergene River, European part of Türkiye

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月5日

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  • Gazel Burcu Aydin

摘要

Plastic pollution has become a widespread global threat, putting significant pressure on aquatic ecosystems and other ecological areas. Chironomid larvae are effective bioindicators of microplastic pollution in freshwater environments because of their sediment-dwelling behavior and environmental sensitivity. This study investigated microplastic contamination in the Ergene River, an ecosystem significantly affected by intensive industrial activity, using chironomid larvae. In May 2025, larvae were collected from five stations along the Ergene River and its tributaries, especially in areas with high industrial activity. The results showed an average microplastic concentration of 63.28 ± 33.59 particles per gram of wet weight in the larvae. Fibers were the most common shape, accounting for 62% of particles. Color analysis indicated that most particles were black (34%), transparent (32%), and blue (22%). Raman spectroscopy revealed that the main polymers were polyacrylamide (PAA, 36%), polyamide (PA, 28%), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 15%). Based on the Polymer Hazard Index (PHI), PAA (PHI = 8280) and PA (PHI = 1400) were classified as “high hazard” (level IV), while PET (PHI = 60) and polystyrene (PS, PHI = 90) were categorized as “low hazard” (level II). The study suggests that the primary sources of microplastics in the region are discharges from organized industrial zones and that chironomid larvae may serve as potential bioindicators of this type of pollution.