Papers

Are polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics a risk to marine organisms? Acute and chronic effects on the amphipods Gammarus aequicauda

Researchers tested whether polylactic acid (PLA) microplastics, often marketed as a biodegradable alternative to conventional plastics, are safe for marine life. Both short-term and long-term exposure to PLA microplastics harmed marine amphipods, causing mortality at high concentrations and reduced growth and reproduction at lower levels. This challenges the assumption that biodegradable plastics are harmless to the environment and suggests they may pose similar risks as conventional microplastics.

Exploring the effect of microparticles on bivalves: Exposure of Mytilus galloprovincialis and Ruditapes philippinarum to both microplastics and silt

Researchers exposed mussels and clams to polyethylene microplastics, natural silt particles, and a combination of both, finding that the mixture caused significantly worse mortality and oxidative stress than either substance alone. Clams were more sensitive to microplastic exposure than mussels, while mussels retained more microplastics in their tissues. The study reveals that the combined presence of natural sediment particles and microplastics in coastal waters creates synergistic harmful effects on filter-feeding shellfish that are greater than the sum of individual exposures.

Colony complexity affects microplastic loads in Pocillopora corals

Researchers sampled Pocillopora corals from a reef in Hawaii to investigate how colony structural complexity affects microplastic accumulation. They found that compact, thick-branched coral morphologies trapped more microplastics than open-branched forms, likely because their structure creates stagnant water zones where particles settle. Most microplastics were found on the coral surface rather than embedded in tissue or skeleton.

First report of microplastics in water and sediments of the alkaline Bagno dell’Acqua Lake (Pantelleria Island, southern Italy)

Researchers conducted the first assessment of microplastic contamination in Bagno dell'Acqua Lake on Pantelleria Island in the central Mediterranean Sea, a small alkaline lake far from major industrial activity. They found microplastics in both surface water and sediment, with fibers dominating the water samples and fragments being more common in sediment. The study demonstrates that even remote, scarcely populated lakes can accumulate significant amounts of microplastics in their sediment.

Emerging micropollutants: risks, regulatory trends, and adsorption based-magnetic nanotechnology solutions

This review examines emerging micropollutants including microplastics, PFAS, and pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments, and evaluates magnetic nanotechnology-based adsorption as a removal strategy. The study highlights that metal and metal oxide nanomaterials offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional wastewater treatment methods, though more research is needed on scalability and long-term environmental safety.

Abundance and composition of small floating plastics in the eastern and southern sectors of the Atlantic Ocean

Researchers sampled floating plastics in the eastern and southern Atlantic Ocean during two research cruises and found microplastics in 69% of net tows, with secondary microplastics dominant and median densities of 1,583 items per square kilometer.

Using Boops boops (osteichthyes) to assess microplastic ingestion in the Mediterranean Sea

Researchers assessed microplastic ingestion in 884 Boops boops fish caught at 20 coastal sites across Spain, France, Italy, and Greece, finding microplastics in 46.8% of individuals with an average of 1.17 items per fish, predominantly filaments composed of polyethylene and polypropylene.

Microplastics in Sediments Originating from Abandoned, Lost or Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) in Coastal Areas of the Valencian Community

Abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) is a pervasive problem in the Mediterranean, and this study directly measured its contribution to microplastic pollution in coastal sediments near Alicante and Benidorm, Spain. Sites with fishing nets on the seafloor had significantly higher microplastic concentrations than net-free control sites, with polymer types matching those used in fishing gear (nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene). The study provides direct evidence linking derelict fishing gear to localized microplastic hotspots, strengthening the scientific case for systematic retrieval programs and stricter regulations on gear loss in sensitive coastal areas.

Spatial distribution of marine macro-litter on the seafloor in the northern Mediterranean Sea: the MEDITS initiative

Researchers modeled the spatial distribution of plastic macro-litter on the northern Mediterranean seafloor using MEDITS trawl survey data from 2013-2015, identifying accumulation hotspots using generalized additive models incorporating depth, latitude, longitude, and other environmental covariates.

Microplastics and invasive crayfish: emerging interactions and ecological implications from three coexisting species in a subalpine lake

Researchers compared microplastic uptake in three coexisting invasive crayfish species from Lake Maggiore, Italy, finding no significant interspecific differences but observing that Faxonius limosus showed the highest average MP concentration, with most MPs being polyester or polyacrylate fibers under 1 mm suggesting domestic sources. The study provides the first evidence of MP uptake in F. limosus and suggests invasive crayfish may serve as agents of MP removal and bioindicators for environmental monitoring.

Impact of Microplastics on Microbial Communities in Polar Environments

Anthropogenic Particles and Associated Metals in Antarctic Seabirds from Victoria Land (Antarctica)

Combined effects of ciprofloxacin and microplastics on alpine spring water microbiota: evidence from glacier-fed microcosm experiments

Researchers used glacier-fed microcosm experiments to examine the combined effects of ciprofloxacin and microplastics on alpine spring water microbial communities, finding that the antibiotic caused significant community disruption while microplastics provided additional conditions favouring antibiotic-resistant biofilm formation.

The power of multi-matrix monitoring in the Pan-Arctic region: plastics in water and sediment

Researchers developed multi-matrix monitoring recommendations for plastics in both water and sediment compartments of the Pan-Arctic region under the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP), arguing that simultaneous assessment of both matrices produces a three-dimensional picture of plastic fate that single-matrix monitoring cannot provide.

Visual observations of floating macro litter around Italy (Mediterranean Sea)

A visual survey of floating macro-litter in the central Mediterranean Sea found plastic was the dominant type, with single-use items most common. The findings demonstrate that plastic pollution is widespread even in open ocean areas far from coasts.

Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Microplastic Pollution in the Mediterranean Sea

This book covers a broad range of topics on microplastic pollution, including environmental impacts, detection methods, and potential solutions presented at an international conference. It offers a comprehensive overview of the state of microplastics research and policy as of the time of publication.

MICROPLASTICS IN THE MOUNT TERMINILLO SNOW’S (RIETI, ITALY)

Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in snow samples collected from six locations on Mount Terminillo (2216 m a.s.l.) in the Apennines, Italy during winter, to quantify atmospheric microplastic fallout in a mountainous environment. The study documented measurable microplastic contamination across all sampled alpine sites, contributing to evidence that remote mountain snowpacks are receiving airborne plastic particles from distant anthropogenic sources.

Next Generation European Research Vessels: Current Status and Foreseeable Evolution

This position paper reviews the current state and future needs of the European research vessel fleet for supporting deep-sea and polar marine science. It identifies capability gaps and technological priorities for the next generation of oceanographic research ships.

Sample Preparation and Analysis Methods of Microplastics