We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic pollution in Greek seas: Abundance, spatio-temporal dynamics, potential sources and post-storm amplification
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured tiny plastic particles in seawater and sand at 27 coastal sites in Greece from 2021 to 2024. Levels were higher in winter and after heavy rain, and a major storm caused plastic pollution in one gulf to rise and stay elevated for over a year. Most particles were common plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene.
Microplastic (MP) pollution represents an increasing threat to coastal and marine ecosystems, yet data from Greek waters remain scarce. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of MP abundance, spatial distribution, polymer composition, and seasonal variability in surface waters and sediments collected from 27 coastal sites in Greece between 2021 and 2024. Sampling was combined with Fourier – Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy polymer identification and satellite-derived Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) data, available for a subset of sites, to explore hydrodynamic influences on MP distribution and the effects of extreme events. The impact of Storm Daniel on the Pagasitikos Gulf was particularly notable, with a sharp and sustained increase in both SPM and MP concentrations persisting for over a year following coastal flooding. Seasonal analysis showed higher MP levels during winter and early spring, coinciding with elevated SPM and with periods that are climatologically associated with increased precipitation and runoff in Greece. Polymer analysis indicated that polyolefins (PE and PP) comprised approximately half of the detected MPs in both matrices, followed by PS in sediments and cellulose and PET in seawater. Morphologically, fragments and films were the most common MP types, particularly in highly impacted locations. MP concentrations exhibited strong spatial variability, ranging from 0 to 240.8 items/m 2 in sediments and 0.0008 to 0.1637 items/m 3 in surface waters. Overall, the results indicate that storm-driven runoff and hydrodynamic conditions can play an important role in mobilising MPs from terrestrial sources to coastal environments, particularly in semi-enclosed gulfs. This study provides new evidence linking extreme weather events, SPM dynamics, and MP transport in parts of the Greek coastal environment, offering insights for pollution monitoring and management strategies.
More Papers Like This
Spatial and Seasonal Abundance of Microplastics in Sand and Aqueous Matrices from Coastal Areas of Northern Greece
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers collected and analyzed microplastics from wastewater effluents, beach sand, and seawater in Northern Greece over one year to capture seasonal variation. MP abundance varied seasonally, with higher concentrations in summer months likely linked to increased tourism and beach activity.
Microplastics in sandy beaches of Thermaikos Gulf: quantification and spatial distribution
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastic pollution along eight locations in the Thermaikos Gulf coast, finding the highest concentrations in tourist-heavy areas, with fibers more prevalent near fishing activity and the midlittoral zone showing the greatest accumulation due to hydrodynamic deposition patterns.
Microplastics in the Estuarine Area of the Pineios River: Seasonal Trends and Variability
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic concentrations and distribution patterns in the estuary area of Greece's Pineios River, finding clear seasonal variation with much higher levels in summer, and differences between sediment and water samples reflecting particle morphology and human activity patterns.
Microplastic pollution in the Greek seas
AI summary Read the abstract
This research investigated the distribution patterns of floating microplastics (300 µm - 5 mm) in Greek seas, finding high variability in concentrations (0.012 to 1.62 items/m2) with maximum concentrations associated with surface slicks rather than predicted hotspot locations near pollution sources. The study also examined microplastic morphological characteristics, with fragments being the dominant form found across the sampled areas.
Microplastic Particles in Sandy Beaches of Thessaloniki Gulf, Greece
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastic particles — fragments and fibers — were detected in beach sediments at three sampling locations along Thessaloniki Gulf in Greece, with higher concentrations near populated areas. The findings contribute to the growing documentation of microplastic contamination on Mediterranean beaches.
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.