Macroalgae are dominant primary producers in coastal ecosystems and play a critical role in ecosystem functioning and management. While microplastics (MPs) have been widely reported in marine fauna, their accumulation in macroalgae and the implications for coastal management remain underexplored. This study investigated MPs pollution in two green (Ulva intestinalis and Cladophora glomerata) and one red (Laurencia caspica) macroalgae along the Caspian Sea shorelines. We aimed to evaluate how algal structure and morphology influence MPs accumulation, and to demonstrate the potential of green and red macroalgae as natural biofilters that can trap and remove MPs, offering a sustainable tool for coastal pollution management. Macroalgae were sampled from six stations between June and August 2023. MPs were found in all macroalgae with an average of 0.34 ± 0.04, 0.13 ± 0.01, and 0.10 ± 0.04 items/g for C. glomerata, U. intestinalis and L. caspica, respectively. The predominant MPs were 300–1000 μm in size, red in color, fiber in shape and polyamide in polymer. C. glomerata exhibited significantly higher MP levels (p < 0.05), likely due to its dense and complex morphology, indicating a superior capacity for MPs uptake and retention. These findings identify macroalgae, particularly C. glomerata, as effective natural filters of MPs, with direct relevance for coastal ecosystem health. Recognizing and harnessing this biofiltration capacity can inform innovative, low-cost, and sustainable management strategies to mitigate MPs pollution and enhance coastal environmental quality.
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