Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Micro- and Macroplastics Pollution in the Aquatic Environment of Markakol Lake Located in the Protected Area on the Mountain Slopes of the Southern Part of the Kazakh Altai Mountains

Version 1 : Received: 12 September 2023 / Approved: 12 September 2023 / Online: 13 September 2023 (07:49:39 CEST)

How to cite: Madibekov, A.; Ismukhanova, L.; Sultanbekova, B.; Zhadi, A.; Zhumatayev, S.; Musakulkyzy, A.; Bolatov, K.; Madibekova, A. Micro- and Macroplastics Pollution in the Aquatic Environment of Markakol Lake Located in the Protected Area on the Mountain Slopes of the Southern Part of the Kazakh Altai Mountains. Preprints 2023, 2023090851. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202309.0851.v1 Madibekov, A.; Ismukhanova, L.; Sultanbekova, B.; Zhadi, A.; Zhumatayev, S.; Musakulkyzy, A.; Bolatov, K.; Madibekova, A. Micro- and Macroplastics Pollution in the Aquatic Environment of Markakol Lake Located in the Protected Area on the Mountain Slopes of the Southern Part of the Kazakh Altai Mountains. Preprints 2023, 2023090851. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202309.0851.v1

Abstract

Abstract. The paper presents primary material on determining the presence of micro- and macroplastics in Markakol Lake, one of the high-mountainous and unique water bodies of Kazakhstan, conditionally undisturbed, but vulnerable to anthropogenic pollution. In the course of work, micro- and macroplastics were detected in all selected samples in the water area of the lake and its main tributaries, the Urunkhaika, Topolevka, Tikhushka, Matabai, Elovka rivers. When determining micro- and macroplastics, we were guided by the method of analysis in aquatic environment, NOAA research program, developed by American scientists Masura J. et al, which is used in many countries. Concentrations and sizes of MP found in the water of the main tributaries of the rivers Urunhaika in concentrations up to 211.4 µg/m3, Tikhushka – 97.9 µg/m3, Zhirelka – 67.8 µg/m3, Topolevka – 157.2 µg/m3, Matabai – 78.3 µg/m3. Concentrations of MP in the surface water layer of the lake detected during 15 minute trawling at distances from 438 m to 841 m occur in sieve mesh sizes of 1.0 mm – 316.7 µg/m3 and 0.315 mm – 520.8 µg/m3. The total concentration of detected micro- and macroplastics coming with tributaries was – 150 µg/m3, in the lake water area – 837.4 µg/m3. The sizes of plastic debris found both in river waters and along the lake water area ranged from mesoplastic debris (fishing line net fragments, foam balls, plastic bags, plastic bottles, wrappers, food labels and packaging, etc.) to microplastic particles detected using a microscope with 40X magnification in size ranges of 25 mm, 1.0 mm and 0.315 mm. Sources of MP depend on local human activities (fishing, transportation, waste disposal etc.).

Keywords

plastic garbage; microplastics; pollution; aquatic environment; concentration

Subject

Environmental and Earth Sciences, Ecology

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