Our project titled “Detection of Microplastics in Industrial Zone Wastewaters and Surface Waters, and Investigation of Microplastic-Mediated Micro Pollutant Transport” is supported by the TUBITAK 1001 – Scientific and Technological Research Projects Support Program. Within the scope of our project, which aims to assess the status of microplastic pollution in inland waters in our country, microplastic types will be analyzed using microscopy and FT-IR spectroscopy in wastewater samples collected from different stages of the İzmir Atatürk Organized Industrial Zone (İAOSB) and Kemalpaşa Organized Industrial Zone (KOSBİ) wastewater treatment facilities, as well as in sludge samples (chemical treatment sludge and biological treatment sludge). Micro-pollutants transported by microplastics will be identified, and a mathematical modeling study regarding the transport and persistence of microplastics in the natural environment will also be conducted in the study area of the Gediz River and its tributary, Nif Stream.

The project commenced on April 15, 2022, and is planned to be completed by April 2024. Two sampling periods have been completed within the work schedule.