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The western Mediterranean Sea under study: GES or non-GES regarding floating microplastics
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Researchers analysed 668 sea surface water samples collected from the Spanish Mediterranean Sea between 2017 and 2023 to assess spatial and temporal variability in floating microplastic abundance and evaluate compliance with Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) Good Environmental Status (GES) criteria. The study found a mean abundance of 0.24 items/m2 with significant variability, raising questions about whether the western Mediterranean meets defined environmental quality standards for floating microplastics.
The western Mediterranean Sea faces significant environmental challenges due to the accumulation and dispersion of floating microplastics. This study investigates the spatial and temporal variability of microplastic pollution in the Spanish Mediterranean Sea, assessing its compliance with the Good Environmental Status (GES) criteria of the MSFD and Barcelona Convention. Data from 668 sea surface water samples collected from the Spanish Mediterranean Sea from 2017 to 2023 were analyzed. A mean abundance of 0.24 ± 1.80 sea surface microplastic items/m² was quantified, with significant differences among localities, zones, areas, and macro-areas (KW, p-value ¡ 0.05). Regarding localities, the highest abundances were observed in the protected area of the Columbretes Islands (14.26 ± 8.66 items/m²) and the lowest abundances were given in Fuengirola (0.0008 ± ND items/m²). In terms of area, the Valencian Community had the highest abundances (0.76 ± 0.55 items/m²), while Andalusia recorded the lowest (0.01 ± ND). Sea surface waters around the Peninsular coast had higher abundances (0.41 ± 0.27 items/m2) than around the Balearic Islands (0.21 ± 0.06 items/m2). Fragments and films were the main categories of microplastics, accounting 72 Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/558525/document
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The western Mediterranean Sea under study: GES or non-GES regarding floating microplastics
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Researchers analyzed 668 sea surface water samples from the Spanish Mediterranean Sea collected from 2017 to 2023, finding a mean microplastic abundance of 0.24 items per square meter and assessing whether concentrations comply with Good Environmental Status criteria under the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
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