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Assessing beach litter trapping efficiency in Mediterranean sandy coasts: A comparative study between typical and invaded embryonic dunes
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This research examined the potential for microplastics to transfer from mother organisms to offspring in marine invertebrates. Maternal transfer of polystyrene particles to eggs was documented, indicating that microplastic contamination can be passed across generations and may affect offspring fitness.
Beach litter is one of the most evident indicators of marine litter pollution, an anthropogenic component that can affect and interact with the habitat of coastal dunes. In this study, we aim to assess the role of the Mediterranean embryonic dunes in trapping beach litter. Moreover, we investigate if dunes with native vegetation and those invaded by the alien plant C. acinaciformis differ in the trapping of beach litter. To this end, two samplings were carried out in the Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area, considering four beaches with different morphologies, using a paired sampling method that considers plots in the embryonic dunes and in the same habitat with C. acinaciformis. Our results indicate that plastic is the primary type of beach litter and that its distribution varied across the different beaches; especially, the greatest amount was found on pocket beaches. Based on our results, we can conclude that there are no differences between embryonic dunes with native vegetation and their invaded form, but the different beach morphologies may play a role in the distribution of beach litter. These findings may support habitat conservation initiatives such as the eradication of C. acinaciformis since it has no additional role in trapping beach litter.
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Dune plants as a sink for beach litter: The species-specific role and edge effect on litter entrapment by plants
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This study examined how six Mediterranean dune plant species trap beach litter, analyzing species-specific efficiency and spatial distribution of litter entrapment across embryo-dune and foredune habitats. A novel 'plant-edge litter effect' was identified, where litter concentrates at patch edges rather than interiors, providing practical guidance for beach monitoring and cleanup operations.
Unravelling the Nexus of Beach Litter and Plant Species and Communities Along the Mediterranean Coasts: A Critical Literature Review
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This critical literature review of Mediterranean beach litter found that while 103 studies documented marine litter presence on Mediterranean coasts, only 18 examined its relationship with psammophilous (sand-dwelling) plant species and communities. The review identifies a significant knowledge gap and calls for standardized assessment protocols to better understand and protect these specialized, ecologically important coastal plant communities from litter impacts.
Giant Reed (Arundo donax) wrack as sink for plastic beach litter: First evidence and implication.
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Giant Reed (Arundo donax) wrack deposited on Mediterranean beaches after storm surges was found to act as a physical trap for plastic beach litter, including microplastics. The study provides the first evidence of this interaction, suggesting that mechanically mowing and removing reed wrack from water channels may inadvertently influence plastic deposition on beaches.
Is the weight of plastic litter correlated with vegetal wrack? A case study from a Central Italian beach
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Researchers found that vegetal wrack on a central Italian beach acts as a trap for plastic litter, with large microplastics (2.5-5 mm) being the most abundant size category, suggesting plant material entrapment plays a role in coastal plastic accumulation.
Changes in (micro and macro) plastic pollution in the sediment of three sandy beaches in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, in relation to seasonality, beach use and granulometry
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Researchers measured plastic and microplastic pollution in sediment from three Mediterranean beaches across seasons, finding that smaller microplastics accumulate at the backshore while larger items concentrate near the waterline. Seasonal patterns and beach use intensity affected plastic abundance, with implications for beach management and cleanup strategies.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.