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Characterization of floating microplastic contamination in the bay of Marseille (French Mediterranean Sea) and its impact on zooplankton and mussels
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Researchers characterized floating microplastics in the Bay of Marseille across three seasons from 2016 to 2018, sampling six sites near river mouths, treatment plants, and a marine protected area, and assessed microplastic ingestion by zooplankton and caged mussels. A hydrodynamic model was used to analyze how oceanographic conditions drive microplastic dispersal across this heavily urbanized Mediterranean bay.
Microplastics (MPs) were sampled in three seasons from 2016 to 2018 in the Bay of Marseille, northwestern Mediterranean Sea, adjacent to a highly urbanized area. Six sites were selected according to their different characteristics (river mouth, treatment plants, protected marine area). Surface floating MPs were characterized (number, weight, typology and polymer) as was zooplankton. In addition, mussels were submerged and used to investigate ingestion. Finally, a hydrodynamic model was used to improve understanding of dispersion mechanisms. The annual averages of floating MPs values ranged from 39,217 to 514,817 items/km. The MPs collected were mainly fragments principally composed of polyethylene and polypropylene. The mean abundance ratio (MPs/zooplankton) was 0.09. On average 87% of mussel pools were contaminated and ingested 18.73 items/100 g of flesh. Two hydrodynamic patterns were identified: the first retaining the MPs in the harbor, and the second dispersing them outside.
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Researchers conducted an integrative assessment of microplastic contamination across all marine compartments of the Bay of Marseille - from surface waters to depth - addressing the 'Missing Plastic Paradox' caused by studies that focus only on surface measurements. The study combined surface sampling with water column and sediment analysis to produce a comprehensive estimate of microplastic stocks in the Mediterranean's Gulf of Lion.
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