Microplastic pollution in marine waters and sediments of Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE

This study investigates the prevalence and sources of microplastics (MPs, 300–5,000 µm) in the marine environment of Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE—an underexplored region with significant anthropogenic influence. Samples were collected from ten ecologically distinct site categories, including areas near oilfields, near desalination plants, port and marinas, aquaculture activities, public beaches, confined areas, newly developed areas, point sources, near offshore islands and natural habitats. “Natural habitats” showed the lowest MP levels (3.33 particles/100 g sediment; 4.5 P/L water), while sites near oilfields, ports, and offshore islands had the highest (8.2–9.3 P/L water; 5.0–6.6 P/100 g sediment). A total of 1,493 MPs were characterized by size, shape, and color. Polymer analysis of 240 MPs identified acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (31%), cellulose acetate (27%), nylon-66 (20%), and PET (10%) as dominant types. Smaller MPs (100–300 µm) were also quantified at selected categories. Pollution Load Index (PLI) analysis, using natural habitats as a baseline, indicated the greatest anthropogenic impact near offshore oilfields and islands, highlighting spatial variations in MP contamination.