Microplastic Pollution in Libyan Port Sediments: Today's Findings and Environmental Impacts

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This has led to increased testing for the presence of microplastics in a variety of samples, including regions located next to seawater that has brought importance to limiting the amount of plastic entering the ecosystem. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been used for the analysis of polymers as a technique to identify microplastics. This study was conducted in the west Libya zone to identify microplastics at three different locations near the Mediterranean Sea port of Tripoli using the FTIR technique. During the period between May 2022 and May 2023, a total of 10 microplastic samples (ten samples/site/15points) were collected from a selected site (A) adjacent to the coastline area of the Tripoli port in Western Libya province. The highest average "MP (polymer)/area" was recorded. According to FTIR analysis, the majority of polymers found in the ten samples from region A were polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. This study validated for the first time the presence of these polymers of plastic in the coastal region of Tripoli port, West Libya. Results from region A showed these bases were highly efficient in obtaining optimal identification of the microplastic contamination. Plastic pollution Tripoli Beach soil Microplastics FTIR Database Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13 Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16 Figure 17 Figure 18 Introduction Microplastics (MPs), were defined as plastic wastes that have dimensions less than 5 mm (Andrady, 2011). They are recognized as an emerging environmental pollutant and have considerable attention today due to their possible negative effects on living organisms. MPs are categorized as primary or secondary according to their sources. Marine litter, particularly MPs, is widely disseminated and is recognized as a growing threat to the environment and human health. It is well recognized that maritime habitats are among the most damaged, and coastal zones are among the most polluted. (Carpenter et al., 1972) published the first paper warning about the presence of plastic pellets on the surface of the North Atlantic Ocean. Hence, it has been a widespread increase research concern, about the impact of plastic-based pollution on the marine environment (Llorca et al., 2020). On the other hand, pollution has increased in the Mediterranean Sea as oil production and sea transport increase. In addition, drilling, pipeline leakage, oil rigs, and natural oil leakage from neighboring countries are important sources of pollution in this sea (Shirneshan et al., 2017). Among the main pollutants is plastic, and nowadays plastics have taken over all the beaches (Ghayebzadeh et al., 2020). The garbage collected on the beach accounts for about 80 percent of plastic waste and about 18 percent of the plastic waste found in the marine environment is in the fishing industry (Abadi et al., 2019). These plastic wastes are transformed into fine particles due to sunlight, waves, wind currents, and so on. Among the particles found are initially large pieces of macro plastics and then fine particles of varying sizes between 0.999 to 5 mm, which are defined as micro-plastics ( Jafari, N., 2010 and Nelms et al., 2018). Micro-plastics are present throughout the water column due to chemical, physical, and several environmental factors, and accumulate organic pollutants such as petroleum, PAHs1, PCBs2, and heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, etc., which enter the toxin into the food chain and intensify it to a higher nutritional level, numerous marine species become extinct as a result (Mendoza et al., 2015). More recently, researchers have examined the deposition of MPs from natural waters into sediment, especially beach sand. One reason for this focus is that MPs are more prone to both mechanical and, to an extent, UV degradation in sand than in water (Corcoran et al,. 2009). Increased exposure to these breakdown pathways can therefore result in both larger quantities and smaller sizes of MPs. This is concerning because research has shown that MPs’ toxicity may increase as their size decreases (Hwang et al., 2020). FTIR analysis was carried out and spectra range 4000 – 650 cm-1. All the acquired spectra were compared with the reference characteristic wave numbers provided in “Easy Identification of Plastics and Rubbers” (CBD, 2012). This study is focused on beach sediment sampling located at Tripoli port and uses FTIR analysis for the identification of microplastics. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is a method used to obtain an infrared spectrum of the absorption or emission of a solid, liquid, or gas. An FTIR spectrometer simultaneously collects high spectral resolution data over a wide spectral range (Claudia et al., 2023 and Verleye et al., 2001). After the sample analysis, it would be possible to easily and understandably monitor the MP pollution in the port. Material and methods 2.1.Study location The study area is divided into three sections, A, B and C, visible by GPS for each area. Figure 1. shows that ten samples were collected from each area. The beach or study area extends for a distance of approximately 5 kilometers to the right and left of the port basin, where samples are collected. 2.2. Sampling Collection of samples were ordered in the following steps: -The study location is divided into a group of squares based on (MSFD) MSFD: European Commission's Marine Strategy. -Squares measure 50x50cm. Each sample needs about one hour to two hours to collect and sift sand. -From one square we need sea water to use in washing sand sea water is filtered through a plastic net of 100-300 micrometers in a clean bucket. -MSFD guidelines recommend that sand be collected at a depth of 5 cm depth can be measured using a metal ruler. -The collected sand is sifted to collect all the elements in the sand from 1 - 5 mm. -Samples are transferred to the laboratory and the elements ranging in size from 1 to 5 mm microscope can be used to help identify the plastics microplastic particles that are found. They are transferred to a small glass container for storage. According to (Stuart B. 2004) microplastic samples are transferred to FTIR to determine the type of polymers. 2.3. Chemical Analysis FTIR technology provides a simple and reliable method that can be used in any laboratory without restrictions. Sample preparation and measurements take a reasonable amount of time for research purposes (one day for sample preparation, four-to-eight hours for measurements) and have no severe constraints. Depending on the analytical question, this approach can be used with a wide range of environmental materials and particle sizes (Stuart B. H., 2004). The spectra of the samples were compared with those of the reference plastics, and the types of microplastics were identified based on their similarity to the library references. The Sample Analysis Process The normal instrumental process is as follows: 1. The Source: Infrared energy is emitted from a glowing black-body source. This beam passes through an aperture which controls the amount of energy presented to the sample (and, ultimately, to the detector). 2. The Interferometer: The beam enters the interferometer where the “spectral encoding” takes place. The resulting interferogram signal then exits the interferometer. 3. The Sample: The beam enters the sample compartment where it is transmitted through or reflected off of the surface of the sample, depending on the type of analysis being accomplished. This is where specific frequencies of energy, which are uniquely characteristic of the sample, are absorbed. 4. The Detector: The beam finally passes to the detector for final measurement. The detectors used are specially designed to measure the special interferogram signal. 5. The Computer: The measured signal is digitized and sent to the computer where the Fourier transformation takes place. The final infrared spectrum is then presented to the user for interpretation and any further manipulation. Scheme of the Sample Analysis Process is shown below. Results A figure 2 shows the samples taken in area A and its coordinates are defined. As shown in (Table 1) FTIR test results revealed the majority of compounds found in region A (ten spots contain 15 points ) which polyethylene (PE represented by 8 points of 15 with percentage of 53.33% ) was the most compound found in this area with a percentage range from 76.1 to 91.76 %, followed by polypropylene (PP) with a percentage range from 62.55% to 77.8% . The next order was poly (styrene), atactic with a percentage of 66.89 %, and 68.49% the last order was for styrene butadiene block polymer with 72.37% .Each sample of the ten points in the area A was far a one hundred meters distance from the previous sample. Table 1: common microplastics in region A (15 different points). NO. Sample point Match % Compound name Library reference 1 A1 blue 85.85 Polyethylene HR Nicolet Sampler Library 2 A1 white 86.96 Polyethylene HR Nicolet Sampler Library 3 A2 white 62.55 poly(propylene), atactic Hummel Polymer Sample Library 4 A3 sky color 68.49 poly(styrene), atactic Hummel Polymer Sample Library 5 A3 white 91.52 Polyethylene HR Nicolet Sampler Library 6 A4 blue 76.14 poly(ethylene), low density Aldrich Condensed Phase Sample Library 7 A5 white sample1 85.69 Polyethylene HR Nicolet Sampler Library 8 A5 white sample2 91.76 Polyethylene HR Nicolet Sampler Library 9 A6 blue 69.25 poly(propylene), atactic Hummel Polymer Sample Library 10 A6 green 77.8 poly(propylene), atactic Hummel Polymer Sample Library 11 A7 white 91.47 Polyethylene HR Nicolet Sampler Library 12 A8 blue 76.1 poly(ethylene), low density Aldrich Condensed Phase Sample Library 13 A8 white 76.32 poly(propylene), atactic Hummel Polymer Sample Library 14 A9 red 72.37 styrene butadiene block polymer HR Nicolet Sampler Library 15 A10 WHITE 66.89 poly(styrene), atactic Hummel Polymer Sample Library Result of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3) showed that the A1 blue sample was spectra of polyethylene microplastic compared to the library spectrum of (PE) with 85.85% possibility. The peaks were approximately between 654 to 3931 cm -1 . Result of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.1) showed that the A1 white sample was spectra of polyethylene microplastic compared to the library spectrum of (PE) with 86.96 % possibility. The peaks were approximately between 667 to 3931 cm -1 . Result of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.2) showed that the A2 white plastic sample was spectra of poly(ethylene), atactic microplastic compared to the library spectrum of (POLY(PROPYLENE), ATACTIC) with 62.55 % possibility. The peaks were approximately between669to 3972 cm -1 . Result of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.3) showed that the A3 sky color sample was spectra of poly (styrene), atactic microplastic compared to the library spectrum of (PE) with 68.49 % possibility. The peaks were approximately between 659to 3941 cm -1 . Result of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.4) showed that the A3 white sample was spectra of polyethylene microplastic compared to the library spectrum of (PE) with 91.52 % possibility. The peaks were approximately between 668 to 3940 cm -1 . Result of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.5) showed that the A4 blue sample was spectra of poly (ethylene), low density microplastic compared to the library spectrum of poly (ethylene), low density with 76.14% possibility. The peaks were approximately between 653 to 3989 cm -1 . Result of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.6) showed that the A5 white sample 1 was spectra of polyethylene microplastic compared to the library spectrum of (PE) with 85.69% possibility. The peaks were approximately between 654 to 3962 cm -1 . Result of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.7) showed that the A5 white sample2 was spectra of polyethylene microplastic compared to the library spectrum of (PE) with 91.76% possibility. The peaks were approximately between 660 to 3961 cm -1 . Result of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.8) showed that the A6 blue sample was spectra of poly (propylene), atactic microplastic compared to the library spectrum of (POLY (propylene), atactic) with 69.25% possibility. The peaks were approximately between 657 to 3979 cm -1 . Result of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.9) showed that the A6 green sample was spectra of poly (propylene), atactic microplastic compared to the library spectrum of poly (propylene), atactic with 77.8% possibility. The peaks were approximately between 660 to 3918 cm -1 . Result of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.10) showed that the A7 white sample was spectra of polyethylene microplastic compared to the library spectrum of (PE) with 91.47% possibility. The peaks were approximately between 668 to 3917 cm -1 . Result of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.11) showed that the A8 blue sample was spectra of poly (ethylene), low density microplastic compared to the library spectrum of poly (ethylene), low density with 76.1% possibility. The peaks were approximately between670 to 3946 cm -1 . Result of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.12) showed that the A1 blue sample was spectra of poly (propylene), atactic microplastic compared to the library spectrum of poly (propylene), atactic with 76.32% possibility. The peaks were approximately between 667 to 3989 cm -1 . Result of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.13) showed that the A9 red sample was spectra of Styrene butadiene block polymer microplastic compared to the library spectrum of Styrene butadiene block polymer with 72.37% possibility. The peaks were approximately between 655 to 3990 cm -1 . Result of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.14) showed that the A10 white sample was spectra of poly (styrene), atactic microplastic compared to the library spectrum of poly (styrene), atactic with 66.89% possibility. The peaks were approximately between 695 to 3949 cm -1 . Discussion Microplastics can enter the marine environment directly as primary MPs (e.g., pre-production pellets and/or granules used as abrasives in cleaning products) or indirectly, as secondary MPs, i.e., the result of progressively fragmentation in the environment of larger items. The relative importance of primary and secondary sources of microplastics to the marine environment is not known (Ghayebzadeh et al., 2020). One of the main threats posed by microplastics is their potential to be ingested by marine organisms and affect several marine species (Abadi et al., 2019). There is limited information on the extent to which microplastics might cause harm in the marine environment. Cell damage, infections, tumor formation, and death are just some of the reported toxic effects by MPs (Jafari et al., 2010). Descriptor 10 in relation to marine litter and its formulation according to the MSFD reads: “Characteristics and quantities of marine litter do not cause damage to the coastal and marine environment.” It is the first time that marine litter is addressed, in an integrated way for the protection of the marine environment, in a European directive (Galgani et al., 2013a and b). The identification of MPs polymers is achieved by comparing the spectra from the unknown sample against that of a known standard polymer in a database. For more details on this methodology, consult (Hummel D. O.,2002) (Table 1). It should be noted that this method is only definitive where a good match is obtained and this is not always possible. Due to the biofouling and degradation processes of microplastics in the environment, their spectra are not totally similar to spectra from the virgin material in the library. If formal identification of particles using Fourier Transformed- Infra-Red (FT-IR) or Raman Spectroscopy is applied then polymer type should also be recorded. Spectroscopy is not critical for routine monitoring of larger fragments > 500 µm. However, it should be considered essential for fragments > 50 µm and a proportion (5–10%) of all samples should be routinely checked to confirm the relative accuracy of any visual examination. A suitable approach proposed by the TSG-ML would be to automatically accept any match >70% similarity (Hwang et al., 2020), to individually examine matches between 60 to 70% similarity rejecting any samples which do not show clear evidence of peaks corresponding to known synthetic materials and to routinely reject (as synthetic) any samples which produce spectra with a match < 60%). The present study produced spectra with a match 91.76% for polyethylene, with a match 74.86% for polypropylene, with a match68.49% for poly styrene and with a match more than 72.37% for styrene butadiene block polymer as shown in FTIR test results (Table 1). It is advocated that when analyzing particles in the range 1–100 µm to subject them to further spectroscopic analysis to confirm polymer identity (e.g., using FT-IR). For particles in the size range 101 µm–4.99 mm we recommend that a proportion (10% of the material in each size class, up to a maximum of 50 items per year or sampling occasion whichever is the least frequent) of the items considered to be MPs is subjected to further spectroscopic analysis to confirm identity (e.g., using FT-IR). This step is important in order to; (1) ensure quality control of visual identification and (2) gain information on the relative abundance of different polymer types which can inform on sources. A suitable approach proposed by the TSG-ML would be to automatically accept any match >70% similarity (Frias et al., 2016), to individually examine matches between 60 to 70% similarity rejecting any samples which do not show clear evidence of peaks corresponding to known synthetic materials and to routinely reject (as synthetic) any samples which produce spectra with a match < 60%). Conclusion As a result of the analysis conducted on samples taken from different points in Tripoli Port, Libya, it was observed that the pollutant levels of PE, PP, Psty, and other polymers were high. According to this data, it was concluded that these pollutants on the Mediterranean coast were transferred to the sea. If local authorities want to solve the microplastic problem in certain regions, pollutants such as PE and PP should be removed from the environment before they undergo transformation through physical and chemical processes. The presence of these pollutants even at low levels means that microplastics are present on the beach. Therefore, determining the sources of the pollutants is of great importance. Based on the data obtained from this study, we predict that environmental factors such as soil organisms, sunlight, the chemical composition of soil and water, and wind speed affect microplastic changes in the soil and that these parameters should be investigated more comprehensively. In this context, conducting the research conducted in larger areas on the coast and the sea will provide a more detailed explanation of the situation. Declarations As the authors of this paper, we declare that we have no conflicts of interest or competing financial or non-financial interests that could influence the results or interpretations presented in this study. Mehmet Kazım Yetik, [email protected] ; [email protected] Mohammed Amhimmid, [email protected] We confirm that this paper is original, has not been published elsewhere, and is not currently under consideration by another journal. Artificial intelligence was not used in this research. Ethical Approval This study investigated microplastic pollution in the seas. The research data was obtained directly from the samples taken from the seaside by the authors for the study. There is no personal information in the study. Consent to Participate No personal data was used in the study. Consent to Publish “I have not submitted my manuscript to a preprint server before submitting it to Environmental Science and Pollution Research” Authors Contributions There is only one writer. Funding The author declares that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript. Competing Interests The author did not receive any financial support related to this study. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-5876237","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":405629698,"identity":"acb806c2-2e78-4f24-b5dd-ca7772a962c9","order_by":0,"name":"Mohammed 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polyethylene.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5876237/v1/4fe00499d27e1db5ee9eb5e6.png"},{"id":74690749,"identity":"e50325ef-caa3-45d1-ac27-e969064356b9","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-01-24 18:34:04","extension":"png","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":226846,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure 3.2 : A2 white plastic 62.55 % poly(ethylene), low density , atactic.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5876237/v1/8e5f601b34493f735c18d494.png"},{"id":74690754,"identity":"ec2893d1-b87b-47b6-bfb0-de63d7b02d5e","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-01-24 18:34:04","extension":"png","order_by":7,"title":"Figure 7","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":151837,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure 3.3: A3 sky color (68.49 %) poly (styrene), atacitc.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5876237/v1/d3a2488d10628135ffc3d647.png"},{"id":74690745,"identity":"54d0e780-522e-4c17-afe1-7cb8f81032fd","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-01-24 18:34:04","extension":"png","order_by":8,"title":"Figure 8","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":140005,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure 3.4: A3 white sample (91.52 %) polyethylene\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5876237/v1/ceb68597f247d303402e11c3.png"},{"id":74690753,"identity":"710f8f14-251c-4ad9-8773-8c155caaa433","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-01-24 18:34:04","extension":"png","order_by":9,"title":"Figure 9","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":189794,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure 3.5: A4 blue sample (76.14%) poly (ethylene), low density.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5876237/v1/9e4cf8ea6163a42f4a1439bd.png"},{"id":74690755,"identity":"ce336153-77a4-477d-8dc9-0a1e8674b192","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-01-24 18:34:05","extension":"png","order_by":10,"title":"Figure 10","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":285409,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure 3.6: A5 white sample 1 (85.69%) Polyethylene.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.6.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5876237/v1/21ba9188891e72677f335069.png"},{"id":74690752,"identity":"17fdee09-becd-4855-967c-61a4adfc26cb","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-01-24 18:34:04","extension":"png","order_by":11,"title":"Figure 11","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":207036,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure 3.7: A5 white sample2 (91.76%) Polyethylene.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.7.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5876237/v1/cef1794cd6a091cf08ea28be.png"},{"id":74690759,"identity":"f6ec93fb-be57-41f8-8f12-e4738c86a736","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-01-24 18:34:05","extension":"png","order_by":12,"title":"Figure 12","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":233397,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure 3.8: A6 blue sample (69.25%) poly (propylene), atactic.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.8.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5876237/v1/0288385f8d5e609754391b03.png"},{"id":74690748,"identity":"28aad350-11a5-438a-a58b-f3b24d999e50","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-01-24 18:34:04","extension":"png","order_by":13,"title":"Figure 13","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":196383,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure 3.9: A6 green sample (77.8%) poly (propylene), atactic .\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.9.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5876237/v1/836b0c02620743af85f5bcf2.png"},{"id":74690747,"identity":"cd7575b0-1af2-4f27-bc04-df5432bc1179","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-01-24 18:34:04","extension":"png","order_by":14,"title":"Figure 14","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":172395,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure 3.10: A7 white sample 91.47% Polyethylene.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.10.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5876237/v1/d499a74733114a18e04157a2.png"},{"id":74690757,"identity":"1431616c-f02f-45cd-90e3-fa20ed57370c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-01-24 18:34:05","extension":"png","order_by":15,"title":"Figure 15","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":202105,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure 3.11:\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eA8 blue sample 76.1% poly (ethylene), low density.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.11.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5876237/v1/94332279b7d580c88f47f9af.png"},{"id":74690758,"identity":"2e151efa-53fa-4203-9869-09862d5bec21","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-01-24 18:34:05","extension":"png","order_by":16,"title":"Figure 16","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":192827,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure 3.12: A8 white sample 76.32% poly (propylene), atactic.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.12.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5876237/v1/abf0f5bb4ff1c4fb08458050.png"},{"id":74690760,"identity":"a54b9940-c594-4b49-8fca-ba48cfcc97b4","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-01-24 18:34:05","extension":"png","order_by":17,"title":"Figure 17","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":195734,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure 3.13:\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eA9 red sample 72.37% Styrene butadiene block polymer.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.13.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5876237/v1/554a92ac7d43ea400bd33125.png"},{"id":74691640,"identity":"a04b8de8-26b3-41a8-9a5a-384b81fe585c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-01-24 18:42:05","extension":"png","order_by":18,"title":"Figure 18","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":167700,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFigure 3.14:\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eA10 white sample (66.89%) poly (styrene), atactic.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"3.14.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5876237/v1/0193d90fbd777936f48b4f8a.png"},{"id":76942822,"identity":"96cab4c0-4f9e-41a2-8737-204f23a3fefa","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-02-23 00:46:31","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":9579730,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5876237/v1/6c00879c-db0b-4ffd-84aa-6aaf2396d4d6.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Microplastic Pollution in Libyan Port Sediments: Today's Findings and Environmental Impacts","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eMicroplastics (MPs), were defined as plastic wastes that have dimensions less than 5 mm (Andrady, 2011). They are recognized as an emerging environmental pollutant and have considerable attention today due to their possible negative effects on living organisms. MPs are categorized as primary or secondary according to their sources. Marine litter, particularly MPs, is widely disseminated and is recognized as a growing threat to the environment and human health. It is well recognized that maritime habitats are among the most damaged, and coastal zones are among the most polluted. (Carpenter et al., 1972) published the first paper warning about the presence of plastic pellets on the surface of the North Atlantic Ocean. Hence, it has been a widespread increase research concern, about the impact of plastic-based pollution on the marine environment (Llorca et al., 2020). On the other hand, pollution has increased in the Mediterranean Sea as oil production and sea transport increase. In addition, drilling, pipeline leakage, oil rigs, and natural oil leakage from neighboring countries are important sources of pollution in this sea (Shirneshan et al., 2017). Among the main pollutants is plastic, and nowadays plastics have taken over all the beaches (Ghayebzadeh et al., 2020). The garbage collected on the beach accounts for about 80 percent of plastic waste and about 18 percent of the plastic waste found in the marine environment is in the fishing industry (Abadi et al., 2019). These plastic wastes are transformed into fine particles due to sunlight, waves, wind currents, and so on. Among the particles found are initially large pieces of macro plastics and then fine particles of varying sizes between 0.999 to 5 mm, which are defined as micro-plastics ( Jafari, N., 2010 and Nelms et al., 2018). Micro-plastics are present throughout the water column due to chemical, physical, and several environmental factors, and accumulate organic pollutants such as petroleum, PAHs1, PCBs2, and heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, etc., which enter the toxin into the food chain and intensify it to a higher nutritional level, numerous marine species become extinct as a result (Mendoza et al., 2015). More recently, researchers have examined the deposition of MPs from natural waters into sediment, especially beach sand. One reason for this focus is that MPs are more prone to both mechanical and, to an extent, UV degradation in sand than in water (Corcoran et al,. 2009). Increased exposure to these breakdown pathways can therefore result in both larger quantities and smaller sizes of MPs. This is concerning because research has shown that MPs\u0026rsquo; toxicity may increase as their size decreases (Hwang et al., 2020). FTIR analysis was carried out and spectra range 4000 \u0026ndash; 650 cm-1. All the acquired spectra were compared with the reference characteristic wave numbers provided in \u0026ldquo;Easy Identification of Plastics and Rubbers\u0026rdquo; (CBD, 2012).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study is focused on beach sediment sampling located at Tripoli port and uses FTIR analysis for the identification of microplastics. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is a method used to obtain an infrared spectrum of the absorption or emission of a solid, liquid, or gas. An FTIR spectrometer simultaneously collects high spectral resolution data over a wide spectral range (Claudia et al., 2023 and Verleye et al., 2001). After the sample analysis, it would be possible to easily and understandably monitor the MP pollution in the port.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Material and methods","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.1.Study location\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study area is divided into three sections, A, B and C, visible by GPS for each area. Figure 1. shows that ten samples were collected from each area. The beach or study area extends for a distance of approximately 5 kilometers to the right and left of the port basin, where samples are collected.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.2. Sampling\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollection of samples were ordered in the following steps:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-The study location is divided into a group of squares based on (MSFD) MSFD: European Commission\u0026apos;s Marine Strategy.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-Squares measure 50x50cm. Each sample needs about one hour to two hours to collect and sift sand.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-From one square we need sea water to use in washing sand sea water is filtered through a plastic net of 100-300 micrometers in a clean bucket.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-MSFD guidelines recommend that sand be collected at a depth of 5 cm depth can be measured using a metal ruler.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-The collected sand is sifted to collect all the elements in the sand from 1 - 5 mm.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e-Samples are transferred to the laboratory and the elements ranging in size from 1 to 5 mm microscope can be used to help identify the plastics microplastic particles that are found. They are transferred to a small glass container for storage. \u0026nbsp;According to (Stuart B. 2004) microplastic samples are transferred to FTIR to determine the type of polymers.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2.3. Chemical Analysis\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFTIR technology provides a simple and reliable method that can be used in any laboratory without restrictions. Sample preparation and measurements take a reasonable amount of time for research purposes (one day for sample preparation, four-to-eight hours for measurements) and have no severe constraints. Depending on the analytical question, this approach can be used with a wide range of environmental materials and particle sizes (Stuart B. H., 2004). The spectra of the samples were compared with those of the reference plastics, and the types of microplastics were identified based on their similarity to the library references.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Sample Analysis Process\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe normal instrumental process is as follows:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. The Source: Infrared energy is emitted from a glowing black-body source. This beam passes through an aperture which controls the amount of energy presented to the sample (and, ultimately, to the detector).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2. The Interferometer: The beam enters the interferometer where the \u0026ldquo;spectral encoding\u0026rdquo; takes place. The resulting interferogram signal then exits the interferometer.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. The Sample: The beam enters the sample compartment where it is transmitted through or reflected off of the surface of the sample, depending on the type of analysis being accomplished. This is where specific frequencies of energy, which are uniquely characteristic of the sample, are absorbed.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4. The Detector: The beam finally passes to the detector for final measurement. The detectors used are specially designed to measure the special interferogram signal.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5. The Computer: The measured signal is digitized and sent to the computer where the Fourier transformation takes place. The final infrared spectrum is then presented to the user for interpretation and any further manipulation. Scheme of the Sample Analysis Process is shown below.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eA figure 2 shows the samples taken in area A and its coordinates are defined.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs shown in (Table 1) FTIR test results revealed the majority of compounds found in region A (ten spots contain 15 points ) which polyethylene (PE represented by 8 points of 15 with percentage of \u003cstrong\u003e53.33%\u003c/strong\u003e) was the most compound found in this area with a percentage range from \u003cstrong\u003e76.1\u003c/strong\u003e to \u003cstrong\u003e91.76\u003c/strong\u003e%, followed by polypropylene (PP) with a percentage range from \u003cstrong\u003e62.55%\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eto \u003cstrong\u003e77.8%\u003c/strong\u003e. The next order was poly (styrene), atactic with a percentage of \u003cstrong\u003e66.89\u003c/strong\u003e%, and \u003cstrong\u003e68.49%\u003c/strong\u003e the last order was for styrene butadiene block polymer with \u003cstrong\u003e72.37%\u003c/strong\u003e.Each sample of the ten points in the area A was far a one hundred meters distance from the previous sample. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTable 1: common microplastics in region A (15 different points).\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"738\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNO.\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Sample point\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMatch %\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 193px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCompound name\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 287px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLibrary reference\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA1 blue\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e85.85\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 193px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolyethylene\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 287px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHR Nicolet Sampler Library\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA1 white\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e86.96\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 193px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolyethylene\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 287px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHR Nicolet Sampler Library\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA2 white\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e62.55\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 193px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003epoly(propylene), atactic\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 287px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHummel Polymer Sample Library\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA3 sky color\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e68.49\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 193px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003epoly(styrene), atactic\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 287px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHummel Polymer Sample Library\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA3 white\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e91.52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 193px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolyethylene\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 287px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHR Nicolet Sampler Library\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA4 blue\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e76.14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 193px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003epoly(ethylene), low density\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 287px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAldrich Condensed Phase Sample Library\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA5 white sample1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e85.69\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 193px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolyethylene\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 287px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHR Nicolet Sampler Library\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA5 white sample2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e91.76\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 193px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolyethylene\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 287px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHR Nicolet Sampler Library\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA6 blue\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e69.25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 193px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003epoly(propylene), atactic\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 287px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHummel Polymer Sample Library\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA6 green\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e77.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 193px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003epoly(propylene), atactic\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 287px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHummel Polymer Sample Library\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA7 white\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e91.47\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 193px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePolyethylene\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 287px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHR Nicolet Sampler Library\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA8 blue\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e76.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 193px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003epoly(ethylene), low density\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 287px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eAldrich Condensed Phase Sample Library\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA8 white\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e76.32\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 193px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003epoly(propylene), atactic\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 287px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHummel Polymer Sample Library\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA9 red\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e72.37\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 193px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003estyrene butadiene block polymer\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 287px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHR Nicolet Sampler Library\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 48px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 132px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eA10 WHITE\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 78px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e66.89\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 193px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003epoly(styrene), atactic\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd valign=\"top\" style=\"width: 287px;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eHummel Polymer Sample Library\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Result of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3) showed that the A1 blue sample was spectra of polyethylene microplastic\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ecompared to the library spectrum of (PE) with 85.85% possibility.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe peaks were approximately between 654 to 3931 cm \u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Result of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.1) showed that the A1 white sample was spectra of polyethylene microplastic compared to the library spectrum of (PE) with 86.96 % possibility. The peaks were approximately between 667 to 3931 cm \u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResult of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.2) showed that the A2 white plastic sample was spectra of poly(ethylene), atactic microplastic\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ecompared to the library spectrum of (POLY(PROPYLENE), ATACTIC) with 62.55 % possibility.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe peaks were approximately between669to 3972 cm \u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e. \u0026nbsp; \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Result of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.3) showed that the A3 sky color sample was spectra of poly (styrene), atactic microplastic\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ecompared to the library spectrum of (PE) with 68.49 % possibility.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe peaks were approximately between 659to 3941 cm \u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Result of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.4) showed that the A3 white sample was spectra of polyethylene microplastic\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ecompared to the library spectrum of (PE) with 91.52 % possibility.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe peaks were approximately between 668 to 3940 cm \u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResult of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.5) showed that the A4 blue sample was spectra of poly (ethylene), low density microplastic\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ecompared to the library spectrum of poly (ethylene), low density with 76.14% possibility.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe peaks were approximately between 653 to 3989 cm \u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResult of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.6) showed that the\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eA5 white sample 1 was spectra of polyethylene microplastic\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ecompared to the library spectrum of (PE) with 85.69% possibility.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe peaks were approximately between 654 to 3962 cm \u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResult of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.7) showed that the A5 white sample2 was spectra of polyethylene microplastic\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ecompared to the library spectrum of (PE) with 91.76% possibility.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe peaks were approximately between 660 to 3961 cm \u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResult of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.8) showed that the A6 blue sample was spectra of poly (propylene), atactic microplastic\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ecompared to the library spectrum of (POLY (propylene), atactic) with 69.25% possibility.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe peaks were approximately between 657 to 3979 cm \u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResult of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.9) showed that the A6 green sample was spectra of poly (propylene), atactic microplastic\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ecompared to the library spectrum of poly (propylene), atactic with 77.8% possibility.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe peaks were approximately between 660 to 3918 cm \u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResult of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.10) showed that the A7 white sample was spectra of polyethylene microplastic\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ecompared to the library spectrum of (PE) with 91.47% possibility.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe peaks were approximately between 668 to 3917 cm \u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResult of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.11) showed that the A8 blue sample was spectra of poly (ethylene), low density microplastic\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ecompared to the library spectrum of poly (ethylene), low density with 76.1% possibility.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe peaks were approximately between670 to 3946 cm \u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResult of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.12) showed that the A1 blue sample was spectra of poly (propylene), atactic microplastic\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ecompared to the library spectrum of poly (propylene), atactic with 76.32% possibility.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe peaks were approximately between 667 to 3989 cm \u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResult of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.13) showed that the \u003cstrong\u003eA9 red\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003esample was spectra of Styrene butadiene block polymer microplastic\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ecompared to the library spectrum of Styrene butadiene block polymer with \u003cstrong\u003e72.37%\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003epossibility.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe peaks were approximately between 655 to 3990 cm \u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResult of the FTIR spectroscopy (table1 and Figure 3.14) showed that the\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eA10 white sample\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ewas spectra of poly (styrene), atactic microplastic compared to the library spectrum of poly (styrene), atactic with 66.89%\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003epossibility.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eThe peaks were approximately between 695 to 3949 cm \u003csup\u003e-1\u003c/sup\u003e. \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eMicroplastics can enter the marine environment directly as primary MPs (e.g., pre-production pellets and/or granules used as abrasives in cleaning products) or indirectly, as secondary MPs, i.e., the result of progressively fragmentation in the environment of larger items. The relative importance of primary and secondary sources of microplastics to the marine environment is not known (Ghayebzadeh et al., 2020). One of the main threats posed by microplastics is their potential to be ingested by marine organisms and affect several marine species (Abadi et al., 2019). There is limited information on the extent to which microplastics might cause harm in the marine environment. Cell damage, infections, tumor formation, and death are just some of the reported toxic effects by MPs (Jafari et al., 2010).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDescriptor 10 in relation to marine litter and its formulation according to the MSFD reads: \u0026ldquo;Characteristics and quantities of marine litter do not cause damage to the coastal and marine environment.\u0026rdquo; It is the first time that marine litter is addressed, in an integrated way for the protection of the marine environment, in a European directive (Galgani et al., 2013a and b). The identification of MPs polymers is achieved by comparing the spectra from the unknown sample against that of a known standard polymer in a database. For more details on this methodology, consult (Hummel D. O.,2002) (Table 1). It should be noted that this method is only definitive where a good match is obtained and this is not always possible. Due to the biofouling and degradation processes of microplastics in the environment, their spectra are not totally similar to spectra from the virgin material in the library. If formal identification of particles using Fourier Transformed- Infra-Red (FT-IR) or Raman Spectroscopy is applied then polymer type should also be recorded. Spectroscopy is not critical for routine monitoring of larger fragments \u0026gt; 500 \u0026micro;m. However, it should be considered essential for fragments \u0026gt; 50 \u0026micro;m and a proportion (5\u0026ndash;10%) of all samples should be routinely checked to confirm the relative accuracy of any visual examination. A suitable approach proposed by the TSG-ML would be to automatically accept any match \u0026gt;70% similarity (Hwang et al., 2020), to individually examine matches between 60 to 70% similarity rejecting any samples which do not show clear evidence of peaks corresponding to known synthetic materials and to routinely reject (as synthetic) any samples which produce spectra with a match \u0026lt; 60%). The present study produced spectra with a match 91.76% for polyethylene, with a match 74.86% for polypropylene, with a match68.49% \u0026nbsp;for poly styrene and with a match more than 72.37% for styrene butadiene block polymer as shown in FTIR test results (Table 1). It is advocated that when analyzing particles in the range 1\u0026ndash;100 \u0026micro;m to subject them to further spectroscopic analysis to confirm polymer identity (e.g., using FT-IR). For particles in the size range 101 \u0026micro;m\u0026ndash;4.99 mm we recommend that a proportion (10% of the material in each size class, up to a maximum of 50 items per year or sampling occasion whichever is the least frequent) of the items considered to be MPs is subjected to further spectroscopic analysis to confirm identity (e.g., using FT-IR). This step is important in order to; (1) ensure quality control of visual identification and (2) gain information on the relative abundance of different polymer types which can inform on sources. A suitable approach proposed by the TSG-ML would be to automatically accept any match \u0026gt;70% similarity (Frias et al., 2016), to individually examine matches between 60 to 70% similarity rejecting any samples which do not show clear evidence of peaks corresponding to known synthetic materials and to routinely reject (as synthetic) any samples which produce spectra with a match \u0026lt; 60%).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eAs a result of the analysis conducted on samples taken from different points in Tripoli Port, Libya, it was observed that the pollutant levels of PE, PP, Psty, and other polymers were high. According to this data, it was concluded that these pollutants on the Mediterranean coast were transferred to the sea. If local authorities want to solve the microplastic problem in certain regions, pollutants such as PE and PP should be removed from the environment before they undergo transformation through physical and chemical processes. The presence of these pollutants even at low levels means that microplastics are present on the beach. Therefore, determining the sources of the pollutants is of great importance. Based on the data obtained from this study, we predict that environmental factors such as soil organisms, sunlight, the chemical composition of soil and water, and wind speed affect microplastic changes in the soil and that these parameters should be investigated more comprehensively. In this context, conducting the research conducted in larger areas on the coast and the sea will provide a more detailed explanation of the situation.\u003c/p\u003e\n"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003eAs the authors of this paper, we declare that we have no conflicts of interest or competing financial or non-financial interests that could influence the results or interpretations presented in this study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMehmet Kazım Yetik, [email protected]; [email protected]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMohammed Amhimmid, [email protected]\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe confirm that this paper is original, has not been published elsewhere, and is not currently under consideration by another journal.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArtificial intelligence was not used in this research.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical Approval\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study investigated microplastic pollution in the seas. The research data was obtained directly from the samples taken from the seaside by the authors for the study. There is no personal information in the study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to Participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo personal data was used in the study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent to Publish\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026ldquo;I have not submitted my manuscript to a preprint server before submitting it to Environmental Science and Pollution Research\u0026rdquo;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors Contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is only one writer.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author declares that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting Interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author did not receive any financial support related to this study.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAbadi M, zamani A, parizanganeh A, khosravi Y, badiee H (2019) Distribution pattern and pollution status by analysis of selected heavy metal amounts in coastal sediments from the southern Caspian Sea. 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Shrewsbury: Rapra Technology, 184 p.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Plastic pollution, Tripoli, Beach soil, Microplastics, FTIR, Database","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5876237/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5876237/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThe presence of microplastics in the environment and the coastal regions is of growing concern. This has led to increased testing for the presence of microplastics in a variety of samples, including regions located next to seawater that has brought importance to limiting the amount of plastic entering the ecosystem. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been used for the analysis of polymers as a technique to identify microplastics. This study was conducted in the west Libya zone to identify microplastics at three different locations near the Mediterranean Sea port of Tripoli using the FTIR technique. During the period between May 2022 and May 2023, a total of 10 microplastic samples (ten samples/site/15points) were collected from a selected site (A) adjacent to the coastline area of the Tripoli port in Western Libya province. The highest average \"MP (polymer)/area\" was recorded. According to FTIR analysis, the majority of polymers found in the ten samples from region A were polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. This study validated for the first time the presence of these polymers of plastic in the coastal region of Tripoli port, West Libya. Results from region A showed these bases were highly efficient in obtaining optimal identification of the microplastic contamination.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Microplastic Pollution in Libyan Port Sediments: Today's Findings and Environmental Impacts","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-01-24 18:34:00","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5876237/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"dedcfe8b-3212-4bf2-8bda-275b689ccb5d","owner":[],"postedDate":"January 24th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-02-23T00:38:19+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-01-24 18:34:00","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-5876237","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-5876237","identity":"rs-5876237","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}