We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Reconstruction of radioactivity and microplastic particles studying sedimentation/accumulation in the deep Lemnos basin, North Aegean Sea, Greece
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed deep-sea sediment cores from the North Aegean Sea and found that microplastic concentrations have increased since the 1990s, with flooding events linked to climate change accelerating the transport of plastic particles from rivers into the deep ocean.
The objective of this work is to study environmental changes and contamination during the last century in a semi-closed marine system, by performing measurements on the sediment which is the final recipient of discharged matter. Sediment cores were sampled with a box-corer and were analyzed using gamma-ray spectrometry for activity concentration measurements and density separation/microscopic inspection for microplastic particles (MP) determination. The sedimentation rate was determined using the vertical profiles of 210Pbex and the results were validated via 137Cs measurements. The activity concentration results do not raise any radiological concern. The sedimentation rate increased after 1995. The ratio of 226Ra/228Ra activity concentrations was less than unity demonstrating that accumulation/accretion process is the main mechanism that takes place in terms of sediment dynamics. The microplastic particles concentrations were measured and correlated with the increased water supply of the rivers flowing into the North Aegean, combined with the production of dense water masses. The sedimentation rate from 1995 to 2020 drastically increased due to extreme weather events (e.g., flooding effects as an impact of climate change). The accumulation/accretion process in the semi-closed system is validated. Flooding periods and deep formation events were utilized to interpret the distribution of microplastic particles.
More Papers Like This
Impact of climate change to sedimentation processes and microplastics gradients: a case study in a semi-closed deep ocean system, Lemnos basin, Greece
AI summary Read the abstract
Sediment core analysis from the Lemnos Basin in the eastern Mediterranean documented environmental changes and microplastic gradients over the past century, correlating increasing plastic deposition depths with historical plastic production rates and changing sedimentation patterns.
Spatial Distribution and Contamination of Microplastics in Surface Sediments: A Case Study from Menekşe Beach, Marmara Sea, Türkiye
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed microplastic abundance in beach sediments at Menekse Beach on Turkey's Marmara Sea, finding mean concentrations of over 25,000 items/kg—notably higher when detected by fluorescent microscopy than standard stereomicroscopy—with fragments and fine-grained sediments dominating. The high contamination levels linked to wastewater discharge and recreational activities in Istanbul illustrate how densely populated coastal cities act as major microplastic sinks in semi-enclosed seas.
Marine Litter, Plastics and Microplastics in the Aegean Archipelago: Current Knowledge and Priorities for the Future
AI summary Read the abstract
The Aegean Archipelago shows widespread contamination with macro-litter, mesoplastics, and microplastics from marine currents, coastal tourism, and fishing activities. This review identifies critical knowledge gaps and sets research priorities for monitoring and mitigating plastic pollution in this ecologically sensitive Mediterranean region.
Microplastics in Mediterranean Sediments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers compiled a global overview of microplastic contamination levels in Mediterranean seafloor sediments, summarizing data across the basin to establish baseline concentrations and identify pollution hotspots. Mediterranean sediments function as long-term reservoirs of microplastics that continuously re-enter the water column and food web, making sediment contamination data essential for modeling cumulative exposure risks to marine life and humans.
Microplastic concentration in the sediment of the Istanbul Strait (the Sea of Marmara, Türkiye)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found high levels of microplastic pollution in the sediment of the Istanbul Strait, with concentrations ranging from 144 to 700 particles per kilogram of dry sediment, predominantly as tiny fibers less than 1 mm in size. The findings suggest that dense shipping traffic, tourism, and a population of 20 million all contribute to contamination of this critical waterway.
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.