Microplastics are widespread across Bahrain’s marine ecosystems, especially among its oyster beds, according to a recently published study which calls for standardised long-term monitoring and integrated national management strategies to prevent further pollution.
These are among the key findings and recommendations of the ‘Plastic Footprints: Evaluation of Microplastic Contamination in Oyster Bed Ecosystems in the Kingdom of Bahrain’ study published in the international, peer-reviewed, open-access environmental academic journal Sustainability.
“This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of microplastic (MP) contamination within oyster bed ecosystems of Bahrain,” researchers noted in the abstract of the study.
“Overall, this study provides critical baseline data on MP contamination in Bahrain’s marine environments and highlights the need for continued monitoring to assess potential risks to marine ecosystems and seafood safety.
“It also contributes to the limited understanding of MPs in the Arabian Gulf, informing future monitoring, conservation and policy initiatives that support long-term environmental sustainability.”
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic less than 5mm in size that accumulate in the environment and break down into increasingly smaller, non-biodegradable fragments now found virtually everywhere on the planet.
The study was conducted by Zeynep Kilinc and Gamze Yesilay from the University of Health Sciences in Türkiye, alongside Bahrain-based researchers Batool Ahmed, Layla Hazeem and Reem Al Mealla.
The researchers collected sediment, water and oyster samples from six sites representing different environmental conditions.
Raman spectroscopy – a non-destructive chemical analysis technique – found 12 different polymer types, with polypropylene, polyurethane, multi-walled carbon nanotube (PET/diamine/MWCNT) and fluorinated ethylene propylene being the most prevalent.
Microplastics appeared as fragments, films and pellets, generally black in colour.
“From a human health perspective, the detection of 0.20 to 5.25 MPs per oyster suggests a potential dietary exposure pathway, particularly since oysters are commonly consumed whole,” the researchers noted.
“Implications for food safety remain uncertain in the absence of exposure dose data, ingestion rates or toxicological thresholds.
“The predominance of smaller particles in oysters and sediments may increase the likelihood of ingestion and retention, but their biological significance under natural conditions remains unresolved.
“Overall, these findings should be interpreted as indicative of potential exposure pathways rather than evidence of confirmed ecological or human health risks.”
The study noted that Bahrain has implemented a number of targeted policy measures, including Decree No 11 (2019) on the technical regulation for plastic products, Decree No 2 (2019) banning the import of plastic waste, including non-biodegradable bags, Decree No 77 (2021) regulating plastic packaged goods under 200ml, and Decree No 14 (2022) which prohibits the production, import and distribution of single-use plastic bags thinner than 35 microns.
The distribution pattern observed in this study, including the dominance of specific particles across sediments, water and oysters indicates that land-based sources, particularly packaging waste, wastewater and coastal activities, are primary contributors of microplastics to these systems.
“Accordingly, mitigation efforts should prioritise upstream interventions, including upgrading wastewater treatment plants with advanced filtration technologies to enhance microplastics retention, alongside improved control of industrial and urban plastic emissions,” the researchers added.
They also called for more monitoring beyond surface waters to include sediments and bioindicator species, such as filter-feeding bivalves, into a standardised national monitoring framework.
Bahrain’s semi-enclosed marine setting requires urgency, yet also presents an opportunity for effective local intervention, according to the researchers.
The study also called for further research focused on commercially important fish species and evaluate the associated human health risks via seafood consumption.
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