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Floating microplastics in semi-enclosed Boka Kotorska Bay (southern Adriatic Sea)
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Scientists tested seawater in a bay in Montenegro (an area popular with cruise ships) and found tiny plastic bits called microplastics in every single sample, with the worst pollution near sewage outlets and the cruise ship port. The levels found were up to 210 times higher than what's considered safe for the Mediterranean Sea, which matters because these plastics can enter the food chain through fish and seafood, potentially ending up on our plates.
Sampling and analysis of microplastics (MPs) were conducted along five transects in the Boka Kotorska Bay (southern Adriatic Sea) in October 2023. The transects were strategically selected to capture the influence of one of the most significant cruise ship ports in the Adriatic (the Port of Kotor), an area with substantial freshwater inflows, and the impact of open sea waters. Surface water samples were collected using a Manta trawl. The number and types of polymers were identified using optical microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. MPs were present in all samples. There was statistical significant difference in the distribution of plastic polymers between the transects (χ = 16.87, p < 0.05). Higher MP concentrations were observed near municipal wastewater outlets and in the vicinity of the port. Floating MP abundance ranged from 0.03291 to 0.25126 items/m, with an average value of 0.116847 items/m. The collected MPs were predominantly filaments and fragments, primarily composed of polyethylene and polypropylene. The data obtained in this study are crucial for evaluating the extent of MPs pollution and assessing the environmental risks posed by plastic particles. The results indicate substantial MPs contamination, ranging from 0.7 to 5.6 times above baseline values and between 38 to 210 times higher than the threshold levels recommended for the Mediterranean Sea.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic pollution in the Adriatic Sea with an emphasis on Montenegro: Distribution, sources, methods, biota, policy, and implications
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This review pulls together research on microplastic pollution in the Adriatic Sea, finding that the coastline of Montenegro—especially enclosed spots like Boka Kotorska Bay—has notably high levels of plastic particles in its sediment and mussels, mostly from common plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene (used in bags, packaging, and bottles). This matters because mussels and seafood from these waters end up on our plates, and the researchers point out that inconsistent testing methods across studies make it hard to track how bad the problem really is or whether it's getting worse—something better monitoring could help fix.
Microplastic pollution in the Adriatic Sea with an emphasis on Montenegro: Distribution, sources, methods, biota, policy, and implications
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This review pulls together existing research showing that the Adriatic Sea, especially around Montenegro, has widespread microplastic pollution in its water, sediment, and marine life like mussels—largely from common plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene. This matters because these tiny plastic particles can move up the food chain into the seafood people eat, but the researchers note we still lack consistent, long-term monitoring data needed to fully understand the risks to seafood safety and coastal communities that depend on fishing and tourism.
Floating plastics in Adriatic waters (Mediterranean Sea): From the macro- to the micro-scale
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Researchers quantified macro- and microplastics across the Adriatic Sea from populated gulfs and river outlets to offshore waters in five countries, finding widespread plastic contamination including small-sized fragments and demonstrating that small vessels enable detection of plastic size fractions missed by standard surveys.
Microplastic pollution in Italian South Adriatic Harbor Areas
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Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution at four Italian Adriatic ports and nearby beaches in summer 2021, finding polyethylene as the dominant plastic type. Commercial and fishing ports showed higher contamination than tourism ports, pointing to boat activity and fishing gear as key pollution sources.
Microplastics in mussels from the Boka Kotorska Bay (Adriatic Sea) and impact on human health
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Researchers analyzed mussels from the Adriatic Sea coast of Montenegro and found microplastics in over half of the specimens, mostly in the form of blue fibers made from polyethylene and polypropylene. Based on typical mussel consumption in the region, they estimated that humans could ingest hundreds of microplastic particles annually through seafood. The study raises concerns about microplastic exposure through shellfish consumption along the Adriatic coast.
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