We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics in Mediterranean Coastal Countries: A Recent Overview
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarized the current status of microplastic pollution in Mediterranean coastal countries, examining contamination levels in fish and other organisms and discussing risks to consumers through trophic transfer in the food chain.
The aim of this paper is to present information gathered from studies regarding the current status and challenges of microplastics (MPs) in Mediterranean coastal counties. MPs are considered emerging pollutants, and their effect on fish and on the final consumer through the trophic food chain are of great concern. Studies from almost all of the Mediterranean coastal countries are gathered and discussed. The source of MPs, as well as their transfer and accumulation are reviewed. In addition, the laboratory techniques for sampling, analysis and characterization of MPs are presented. Moreover, the current regulations for MPs restrictions in Europe will be discussed. Finally, the authors present the current challenges on the topic and provide recommendations for future work.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic Concentration in Mediterranean Commercial Fish: A Systematic Review
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review examines microplastic levels in five commercially important fish species caught in Mediterranean waters. The findings confirm that microplastics are routinely present in popular seafood, with concentrations varying by species and location, underscoring the need to monitor and reduce plastic contamination in fish that millions of people eat regularly.
Abundance and ecological risk of microplastics in commercial fish species from northeastern Mediterranean Sea
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined nine commercially important fish species from the northeastern Mediterranean Sea and found microplastics in both their digestive tracts and gills. The most common particles were small polyethylene and polypropylene fibers, and bottom-dwelling fish species had higher contamination levels. While the ecological risk was rated low to medium, the presence of microplastics in widely consumed fish species highlights a potential pathway for human exposure through seafood.
Fish as a Bioindicator of Microplastic Contamination in the Mediterranean Sea: State of Knowledge
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the use of fish species as bioindicators of microplastic contamination in the Mediterranean Sea. The analysis found that increasing microplastic pollution would further threaten already-stressed fishery stocks in the region. Researchers recommend prioritizing studies on the most consumed Mediterranean fish species, such as sardine, anchovy, and bluefin tuna, which have been reported to be highly contaminated by microplastics.
Microplastics in fillets of Mediterranean seafood. A risk assessment study
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed fillets of several common Mediterranean seafood species for microplastic contamination and estimated the associated human dietary exposure. They detected microplastics in the edible tissue of all species tested, including sardines, sea bream, and mussels. The study provides risk estimates suggesting that regular seafood consumption represents a notable pathway for human microplastic ingestion.
Microplastic in Commercial Fish in the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. Part 1: The Mediterranean Sea
AI summary Read the abstract
This literature review covers studies from 2015 to 2021 on the presence of microplastics in commercially important fish species from the Mediterranean Sea, one of the most plastic-polluted water bodies in the world. It also synthesizes data on microplastic concentrations in Mediterranean beach sediments, subtidal sediments, seafloor sediment, and surface water.
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.