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Microplastics in Aquatic Environment: Insight from Research in Montenegro
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This review pulls together seven years of research on tiny plastic particles (microplastics) found in Montenegro's rivers, lakes, coastlines, and even in fish and shellfish that people eat. Some areas showed higher levels of contamination than other parts of the region, which is concerning since these particles can work their way up the food chain and into our meals. The researchers say this points to an urgent need for better plastic waste management, upgraded wastewater treatment, and closer monitoring to protect both ecosystems and the people who rely on them for food.
Microplastics have emerged as one of the most significant environmental pollutants of the 21st century due to their persistence, mobility, and potential ecological and human health impacts. Aquatic ecosystems are particularly vulnerable because rivers, lakes, and marine environments act both as sinks and transport pathways for plastic debris. This paper presents an overview of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems with a specific focus on Montenegro. Available investigations conducted during the last seven years indicate the presence of microplastics in freshwater systems, lake sediments, coastal sed-iments, fish, and shellfish. Elevated concentrations were reported in several rivers and coastal zones compared with regional literature data. The findings highlight the need for systematic monitoring, improved waste management, wastewater treatment, and stronger regulatory measures.
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 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.
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 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.
Microplastics in Environment & Freshwater Ecosystems: Sources, Distribution, Types, Characteristics and Ecological Impacts
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This review pulls together over 20 years of research on tiny plastic particles (microplastics) polluting our rivers, lakes, and other freshwater sources, tracing them back to things like cosmetics, synthetic clothing fibers, and larger plastic trash breaking down over time. The concerning part: these particles can harm aquatic life by disrupting digestion and hormones, and they can also soak up toxic chemicals and harmful microbes—meaning they don't just stay in the water, but can work their way up the food chain toward us. Since our drinking water often comes from these same freshwater sources, the researchers call for better water treatment syst
Microplastics in fish and sediments from the Montenegrin coast (Adriatic Sea): Similarities in accumulation
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Researchers found microplastics in both fish gastrointestinal tracts and sediments along the Montenegrin Adriatic coast, with similar polymer types detected in both matrices, suggesting sediment contamination reflects and predicts accumulation patterns in local fish species.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.