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Presence of Anthropogenic Microplastics in the Leaves of Posidonia oceanica in the North Aegean Sea
Summary
This study examined microplastic concentrations on Posidonia oceanica seagrass leaves in the North Aegean Sea, finding significantly higher particle counts using a digestion protocol compared to optical analysis alone—up to six times more MPs identified. The results confirm that Posidonia meadows are important microplastic hotspots, with local geomorphology influencing contamination levels.
The study of microplastics-MP in the aquatic environment has revealed their widespread distribution. Strong evidence exist that seagrass meadows act as traps and a possible pathway to the food chain. ExistingPosidonia oceanica studies focus almost completely on MP presence in the sediment, water column or spheroids, following different analytical protocols. In the present work, microplastic concentration on P. oceanica leaves was studied, from two N. Aegean Sea areas, following two different analytical protocols, optical analysis and sample digestion. We found a significant high number of MPs attached on leaves, making Posidonia meadows a significant hot spot, especially taking into account the extensive coverage of the species in the Mediterranean coasts. The variability of MPs between different areas showed the importance of local geomorphology and background MP concentration, while digestion is proposed as the preferred protocol, since 6 times more MPs were identified, in comparison to optical analysis.