Advanced Physical Research

Microplastics pose an emerging global threat, particularly in unique ecosystems like the Caspian Sea. The potential harmful effects on human health and ecosystems underscore the urgent need to solve this issue. The economic and environmental significance of the Caspian Sea makes the investigation of microplastic pollution highly relevant. The article identifies the Caspian Sea as a key area of concern due to its economic importance and the limited research on microplastic impacts on human health in this region. For the first time, microplastics were analyzed using the IAEA's NUTEC protocol in samples taken from the Azerbaijani coast of the Caspian Sea.It was determined that Shikhov beach is more polluted with microplastics than Novkhani beach. The results showed that Shikhov beach had higher levels of microplastic contamination than Novkhani beach. Microplastic particles were abundant, ranging from 150 to 290 particles per kilogram in the coastal areas of both Novkhani and Shikhov, thus confirming how plastic pollution is spread throughout the region. Microplastics in smaller size fractions, such as the 315 µm-1.6 mm particles recorded in Novkhani and Shikhov, can easily enter the food chain. Microplastics, especially those in the marine environment, can absorb and transport harmful chemicals such as pesticides and heavy metals. Once microplastics enter the body, these chemicals can be released, causing toxic effects.