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Abundance and distribution of large microplastics (1–5 mm) within beach sediments at the Po River Delta, northeast Italy
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Researchers studied the distribution of large microplastics (1-5 mm) across three driftlines at beaches in the Po River Delta in northeast Italy, finding abundances of 2.92 to 23.30 microplastics per kilogram dry weight with no consistent accumulation pattern across driftlines.
Coastal areas are especially prone to plastic debris, being subjected to various land- and sea-based sources. Nevertheless, knowledge about microplastic distribution on beaches is limited, as studies focused either on high tide lines, specific items, or relied on visual identification. Beaches exhibit several accumulation zones and microplastic deposition depends on particle properties. We thus studied microplastic distribution (1-5 mm), including various types and shapes, among three driftlines at three beaches within the Po River Delta. Particles were analyzed using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Abundances ranged from 2.92 (± 4.86 SD) to 23.30 (± 45.43 SD) microplastics per kilogram dry weight between the beaches. The accumulation of microplastics among driftlines showed no consistent pattern, besides expanded polystyrene tending to accumulate backshore. We observed that accumulation hotspots within a single driftline can disrupt a general observed accumulation pattern. Thus, microplastic monitoring guidelines should further include protocols for the handling of accumulation hotspots within datasets.
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Researchers characterized large microplastic debris in beach sediments of the Po Delta area in Italy, identifying prevalent polymer types and linking contamination to river transport from the heavily populated Po River basin.
Seasonal and Cross-Shore Assessment of Large and Small Microplastics Collected on the Ferrara Coast (Italy)
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A seasonal survey of the Ferrara coastline in northern Italy found large microplastics (averaging 5.66 per square meter) and far more abundant small microplastics (averaging 2,402 per square meter), with concentrations lowest in winter and highest accumulation at dune foot and crest positions. Polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester dominated the larger particles, while small black fibers dominated the smaller fraction, likely from river and urban sources including plastic-processing industries near the Po River. This study contributes to understanding how microplastics distribute across beach profiles over time—useful for designing targeted cleanup interventions.
Abundance, Composition, and Potential Ecological Risks of Large Micro- and Mesoplastics in a Southern Italian Beach
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Researchers examined an Italian beach and found nearly 1,000 plastic fragments (ranging from grain-of-rice to bottle-cap sized) hiding in the sand, mostly common plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene, with patterns suggesting many likely came from industrial plastic pellets rather than random litter. While the study found these particular plastics have relatively low toxicity, the sheer volume matters because these fragments break down into smaller microplastics that can enter waterways, seafood, and eventually our bodies — highlighting the need for better controls on plastic pellet spills during manufacturing and shipping
Temporal variation of floatable plastic particles in the largest Italian river, the Po
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Researchers found that plastic particle concentrations in Italy's Po River varied significantly over time in 2019, with 5,063 particles collected and 80.6% being fragments, providing temporal data on riverine plastic flux to the Adriatic Sea.
Changes in (micro and macro) plastic pollution in the sediment of three sandy beaches in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, in relation to seasonality, beach use and granulometry
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Researchers measured plastic and microplastic pollution in sediment from three Mediterranean beaches across seasons, finding that smaller microplastics accumulate at the backshore while larger items concentrate near the waterline. Seasonal patterns and beach use intensity affected plastic abundance, with implications for beach management and cleanup strategies.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.