Papers

Harmful algae and pathogens on plastics in three mediterranean coastal lagoons

Researchers studied microplastics and macroplastic debris in three French Mediterranean coastal lagoons and found high-diversity biofilm communities including harmful algae and bacterial pathogens colonizing plastic surfaces, demonstrating that plastics can act as vectors for harmful microorganisms in sensitive coastal ecosystems.

Distribution of phthalates in Marseille Bay (NW Mediterranean Sea)

Researchers measured six phthalate plasticizer compounds in seawater from Marseille Bay over a full year, finding total concentrations of 130–1,330 ng/L dominated by DEHP, with elevated bottom-water levels in summer suggesting that resuspension of phthalate-laden sediment or plastic debris drives seasonal contamination patterns.

Plastic pollution in Leeward, Moorea and Cook islands (South Pacific): A baseline study

Researchers conducted a baseline survey of beach macrolitter and microplastics in surface waters and sediments across six islands in French Polynesia and the Cook Islands, finding high macroplastic contamination on most beaches with densities of 18-58 items per 100 meters. Surface water microplastic concentrations were low (0-4668 particles per km), suggesting localized contamination linked to tourism and coastal activities rather than widespread oceanic inputs.

Copper, zinc and lead isotope signatures of sediments from a mediterranean coastal bay impacted by naval activities and urban sources

Preface of special issue of MERMEX project: Recent advances in the oceanography of the Mediterranean Sea