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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.
The Adriatic Sea is recognized as a preferential accumulation zone for plastic debris within the Mediterranean. Microplastics have been detected in surface waters, sediments, and biota, with pronounced spatial and temporal variability linked to hydrodynamics, riverine inputs, and seasonality. This review synthesizes current evidence on microplastic distribution, composition, sources, and drivers across the Adriatic Sea, with particular emphasis on Montenegro, where sediment and mussel studies reveal widespread contamination dominated by polyethylene and polypropylene. Montenegrin coastal sediments contain on average 300–600 microplastic particles kg-1 dry sediment, with highest concentrations in enclosed areas such as Boka Kotorska Bay. While the Marine Strategy Framework Directive provides the policy scaffold for monitoring and management, methodological heterogeneity across studies and critical data gaps, particularly the scarcity of seasonal sea-surface microplastic data along the Eastern Adriatic, currently limit regional comparability and long-term trend assessment. Priority needs for Montenegro and the wider Adriatic include harmonized surface-water monitoring, integration of hydrodynamic context, and stakeholder-relevant assessments linking ecological indicators to aquaculture, tourism, and seafood safety.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic pollution in the Adriatic Sea with an emphasis on Montenegro: Distribution, sources, methods, biota, policy, and implications
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
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.
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.
Microplastic pollution in rivers of the Adriatic Sea basin in Montenegro: Impact on pollution of the Montenegrin coastline
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Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in sediments along three Montenegrin river shores draining into the Adriatic Sea, finding an average of 164 MPs/kg dominated by polyethylene and polypropylene fibers and fragments, identifying these rivers as both sinks and potential sources of coastal microplastic pollution.
Distribution and characterization of microplastics in marine sediments from the Montenegrin coast
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Researchers characterized microplastic distribution in marine sediments along the Montenegrin coast, providing the first assessment of microplastic pollution status in this understudied region of the Adriatic Sea.
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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.