We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Integrated approach for microplastic pollution assessment in the North-East Sardinia (Tyrrhenian Sea).
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers performed an integrated assessment of microplastic pollution across surface water, sediments, and biota collected from ports, coastal areas, and marine protected zones along the geomorphologically diverse northeast coast of Sardinia in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The multi-matrix approach revealed spatial patterns in microplastic contamination and enabled ecological risk assessment for this ecologically and economically important Mediterranean coastal region.
Microplastics (MPs) pollution in coastal areas depends on multiple factors, therefore, integration of data from different environmental matrices, is required to better understand MPs distribution and the ecological risk related to their occurrence in marine ecosystem. To this end, for the first time, an exhaustive assessment of MPs contamination in the Northeast coasts of Sardinia Island (Tyrrhenian Sea), characterized by high geomorphological variability and ecological-economical value was performed. MPs were analysed in surface water, sediment and biota collected from ports, areas close to mussels and fish farms, and marine protected areas (MPA). Obtained data were elaborated and integrated through a quantitative Weight of Evidence model providing an overall risk assessment of MPs pollution in the investigated areas. Results showed a global average abundance of 0.25±0.22 items/m3 surface water, 17.0±21.7 items/kg sediment, 1.47 ± 0.63 MPs/organism. However, higher levels in the abiotic matrices were measured in Olbia Port than Golfo Aranci and Tavolara-Punta Coda Cavallo MPA, respectively north and south from the harbour of Olbia entrance. In contrast, the highest percentage of organisms ingesting MPs was calculated for MPA (45 Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/558724/document
More Papers Like This
Integrated approach for microplastic pollution assessment in the North-East Sardinia (Tyrrhenian Sea).
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted the first comprehensive microplastic contamination assessment across multiple environmental matrices in the northeast coast of Sardinia in the Tyrrhenian Sea, integrating data on MPs distribution, polymer types, and ecological risk in a geologically diverse and ecologically valuable coastal zone. The multi-matrix approach aimed to better characterize the sources and fate of microplastics in this region.
Microplastic distribution, abundance and composition in the water column, sediments and biota samples collected along the Tyrrhenian Coasts (Mediterranean Sea)
AI summary Read the abstract
A Greenpeace-sponsored sampling campaign along Italy's Tyrrhenian coastline detected microplastics in surface water, sediments, and marine organisms at all sites, including marine protected areas. Ports and river mouths showed the highest contamination levels, pointing to land-based and maritime activities as major sources. The study demonstrates that even protected marine areas in the Mediterranean are not free from plastic pollution.
Microplastics spatiotemporal distribution and variability in marine habitats along the North-Western Mediterranean coastal waters.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic spatiotemporal distribution across multiple Mediterranean marine habitat types including water surface, sediment, and biota, revealing significant variability by location and season. The multi-compartment approach showed that no single habitat type captures the full extent of microplastic contamination.
Types, occurrence and distribution of microplastics in sediments from the northern Tyrrhenian Sea
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastic contamination was found in sediments along a 31-km transect from a Tuscan port to Elba Island in the northern Tyrrhenian Sea, with filaments being the dominant type. The contamination was present near ports as well as in offshore locations, indicating widespread dispersal beyond human activity hotspots.
An evaluation of surface micro- and mesoplastic pollution in pelagic ecosystems of the Western Mediterranean Sea
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that micro- and mesoplastic debris were widely and uniformly distributed across the Western Mediterranean Sea, with average surface concentrations of approximately 130,000 microplastic particles per km2 and 5,700 mesoplastic particles per km2. Fragment morphology and polymer composition analysis indicated a predominantly land-based origin for the debris.
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.