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Microplastics Across Interconnected Aquatic Matrices: A Comparative Study of Marine, Riverine, and Wastewater Matrices in Northern Greece
Summary
Researchers studied tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in seawater, rivers, and wastewater treatment plants in Northern Greece to see how much plastic pollution exists in the region's water systems. They developed a reliable method to measure these microscopic plastic pieces, which can enter our food chain through seafood and drinking water. This baseline data will help authorities track plastic pollution levels and develop strategies to reduce microplastics in water that could eventually affect human health.
This study provides an integrated assessment of microplastic (MP) presence across marine, riverine, and wastewater treatment plant samples in Northern Greece—a region where such data are largely lacking. The proposed analytical workflow, combining microscopy and Py–GC/MS, offers a transferable framework for monitoring programs in Mediterranean coastal zones. The findings offer valuable insights for environmental authorities in establishing baseline MP levels and guiding mitigation strategies for regional water/wastewater quality management.
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Microplastics Across Interconnected Aquatic Matrices: A Comparative Study of Marine, Riverine, and Wastewater Matrices in Northern Greece
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