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Stranded and floating marine debris detected along the coastline of Cabrera National Park (Balearic Islands)
Summary
Researchers assessed the transfer of polystyrene microplastics across the murine maternal-fetal interface, detecting fluorescent particles in placental tissue and fetal organs following maternal oral exposure during gestation. The study provides evidence that microplastics can cross the placental barrier and reach fetal tissues, raising questions about gestational exposure risks.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are managed to conserve ecosystems however increased reporting highlights the observations of marine debris within these areas. The coastline of Cabrera Natural Park (Cabrera MPA) was surveyed in February, March, May, and July of 2021 to evaluate the seasonal trend of marine debris between winter and summer months. A general value of 6.94 items/km, ranging from 4.38 ± 4.55 items/km in July to 12.57 ± 17.56 items/km in March, was detected with no statistical differences between areas or surveyed months. Abundance of stranded debris (77 %) was statistically higher than floating debris (23 %). Prevailed floating plastic pieces 2.5 >< 50 cm and stranded nets and pieces of nets >50 cm. Artificial polymer materials, non-sourced debris, and non-Single Use Plastics were the most common items identified. This study highlights the importance of applying mitigation measures to avoid the presence of marine debris in areas of ecological interest.