Thesis (MSc) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Enviromental Sciences

Two samples (A, B) containing Sea water and Shoreline (mostly sand) respectively,
were collected at a marked location (Gülseren Halk Plajı Piknik Alanı beach) through
a duration of 6 months, samples collection was subjected to laboratory analysis,
includes filtration, mass/density separation, digestion, storage of residue from
filtration at 4-degree Celsius .Both samples were analyzed under FITR spectroscopy
and Optical microscope , which the results are translated in form FTIR spectra data
and screenshots from the magnification Lense (10×) .The Spectra from FTIR analysis
was translated into graphs to be able to study the peak points and study the finger prints
to identify the functional group and the suggested micro plastic name by comparing it
with a standard peaks from library of micro plastic literatures .Results from the optical
microscope screenshots were studied closely and used to determine the shapes of the
suggested micro plastics, found to be in Fiber ,Fragments, Lines. Isolated micro
plastics from FTIR spectra data includes polyethylene, low density polyethylene
(LDP), Rayon (RY), Polyester terephthalic acid (PTA), Poly (ethylene terephthalate)
(PET). Other plastic isolated are micro plastics from disintegration of bigger plastic
over time but has not been lost includes pieces of plastic bottle, some fragments from
packaging bag, candy cane from lollipop, nylon wrap on cigarette packs, other plastic
of unknown source. It points to the extent of pollution at sampling sites.