Microplastics in the Lut and Kavir Deserts, Iran

Although microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants, little is known about their occurrence and behavior in the terrestrial setting. In this study, MPs have been isolated from soils collected various geomorphological features (yardangs, sand dunes, moving sands, seasonal lakes) of Kavir Lut Deserts on Iranian plateau. The number identified 300 g samples ranged zero (not detected) several yardang tops to 25 some hillsides, with an overall average abundance 0.02 MP g-1. majority were a fibrous nature size distribution (≤100 μm ≥1000 μm) skewed toward lower end, analysis selection particles by μ-Raman spectroscopy showed that polyethylene terephthalate Nylon (polyamide) principal polymers. Scanning electron microscopy revealed intense degradation but limited weathering others. With evidence meso- macroplastics deserts, it appears brought into these environments distant sources via wind, smaller, contributions runoff associated adjacent mountains. It proposed windborne transported through deserts relatively rapidly, while others subject internal recycling significant photo-oxidation mechanical weathering.