Assessing meso- and microplastic pollution in the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Seas

Caldwell, Jessica; Petri-Fink, Alke; Rothen-Rutishauser, Barbara; Lehner, Roman

doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110572

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Assessing meso- and microplastic pollution in the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Seas

Caldwell, Jessica Adolphe Merkle Institute, Université de Fribourg, Switzerland
Petri-Fink, Alke Adolphe Merkle Institute, Université de Fribourg, Switzerland - Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
Rothen-Rutishauser, Barbara Adolphe Merkle Institute, Université de Fribourg, Switzerland
Lehner, Roman Adolphe Merkle Institute, Université de Fribourg, Switzerland - Sail and Explore Association, Ennenda, Switzerland

01.12.2019

Published in:

Marine Pollution Bulletin. - 2019, vol. 149, p. 110572

English As the production of plastic products continues to increase, determining the fate of plastic waste in the environment is of high importance. Densely populated areas, such as Mediterranean coastlines, represent locations of high pollution risk for surrounding environments. Thus, this study aims to assess the abundance, size, and composition of floating meso- and microplastics collected during four weeks in 2018 in the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Seas. The results show average meso- and microplastic particle concentrations of 28,376 ± 28,917 particles km−2, and an average mass of 268.61 ± 421.18 g km−2. The particle shape ratio was 65% fragments, 19% films, 10% lines, 4% foams, and 2% pellets. Microplastic particles comprised 65% of the sample. Analysis with attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed predominant polymer types included polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyamide. These data are an important starting point for long-term monitoring of plastic pollution levels within this region.

Faculty

Faculté des sciences et de médecine

Department

Département de Chimie, AMI - Bio-Nanomatériaux

Language