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Plastic litter in sediments from a marine area likely to become protected (Aeolian Archipelago's islands, Tyrrhenian sea)
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Researchers surveyed plastic litter in sediments near the Aeolian Islands in Italy, a marine area under consideration for protected status, finding microplastics in all samples at levels comparable to harbor environments. The findings show that even relatively pristine marine areas designated for protection are not immune to plastic pollution.
This research aims to define for the first time levels and patterns of different litter groups (macro, meso and microplastics) in sediments from a marine area designed for the institution of a new marine protected area (Aeolian Archipelago, Italy). Microplastics resulted the principal group and found in all samples analyzed, with shape and colours variable between different sampling sites. MPs levels measured in this study are similar to values recorded in harbour sites and lower than reported in Adriatic Sea, while macroplastics levels are notably lower than in harbor sites. Sediment grain-size and island extent resulted not significant in determining levels and distribution of plastic debris among islands. In the future, following the establishment of the MPA in the study area, these basic data will be useful to check for potential protective effects on the levels and distribution of plastic debris.
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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.