We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Bioindicators for monitoring marine litter ingestion and its impacts on Mediterranean biodiversity
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed existing knowledge of marine litter ingestion impacts on Mediterranean biodiversity and proposed a new integrated monitoring framework using bioindicator species, identifying major knowledge gaps in understudied habitats and sub-regions while outlining a threefold approach to simultaneously measure plastic presence and its sub-lethal effects on organisms.
The Mediterranean Sea has been described as one of the most affected areas by marine litter in the world. Although effects on organisms from marine plastic litter ingestion have been investigated in several oceanic areas, there is still a lack of information from the Mediterranean Sea. The main objectives of this paper are to review current knowledge on the impact of marine litter on Mediterranean biodiversity, to define selection criteria for choosing marine organisms suitable for use as bioindicator species, and to propose a methodological approach to assessing the harm related to marine litter ingestion in several Mediterranean habitats and sub-regions. A new integrated monitoring tool that would provide the information necessary to design and implement future mitigation actions in the Mediterranean basin is proposed. According to bibliographic research and statistical analysis on current knowledge of marine litter ingestion, the area of the Mediterranean most studied, in terms of number of species and papers in the Mediterranean Sea is the western sub-area as well as demersal (32.9%) and pelagic (27.7%) amongst habitats. Applying ecological and biological criteria to the most threatened species obtained by statistical analysis, bioindicator species for different habitats and monitoring scale were selected. A threefold approach, simultaneously measuring the presence and effects of plastic, can provide the actual harm and sub-lethal effects to organisms caused by marine litter ingestion. The research revealed gaps in knowledge, and this paper suggests measures to close the gap. This and the selection of appropriate bioindicator species would represent a step forward for marine litter risk assessment, and the implementation of future actions and mitigation measures for specific Mediterranean areas, habitats and species affected by marine litter ingestion.
More Papers Like This
The Need of an Harmonized Methodological Approach to Detect the Impact of Microplastics in the Mediterranean Biodiversity: the Plastic Busters Initiative Experience
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper describes the Plastic Busters Initiative's work to develop harmonized methodologies for monitoring the impact of microplastics on Mediterranean biodiversity across different environmental compartments and species. A unified monitoring approach is essential for assessing the cumulative effects of plastic pollution on the Mediterranean's rich but threatened marine ecosystems.
Monitoring plastic pollution using bioindicators: a global review and recommendations for marine environments
AI summary Read the abstract
This global review examined the use of bioindicator species for monitoring plastic pollution in marine food webs and developed recommendations for standardized bioindicator-based monitoring approaches. The authors identified the most suitable taxa, protocols, and knowledge gaps to support evidence-based management of the marine plastic pollution crisis.
Microplastic ingestion and Phthalate ester levels as plastic tracers in the Mediterranean Velella velella: a candidate plastic indicator for the pelagic neustonic environment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used Mediterranean fish and invertebrates as bioindicators of plastic pollution, correlating microplastic ingestion levels with phthalate ester concentrations in their tissues to validate the use of combined biological monitoring for tracking spatial and temporal trends in marine plastic contamination.
Anthropogenic particles ingestion in fish species from two areas of the western Mediterranean Sea.
AI summary Read the abstract
Anthropogenic particles including microplastics were found in the digestive tracts of fish from two aquatic environments, with ingestion rates and particle types varying by species and location. The study documents widespread microplastic ingestion across fish species in different habitat types.
Preliminary Assessment of Microplastic Accumulation in Wild Mediterranean Species
AI summary Read the abstract
Wild Mediterranean marine species show measurable microplastic accumulation, reflecting the basin's disproportionately high contamination relative to global averages. These findings highlight the ecological risk microplastics pose to Mediterranean biodiversity and the seafood consumed by millions of people.
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.