Microplastics in marine sediments in the area of Pianosa Island (Central Adriatic Sea)

Distribution and characterization of microplastics in marine sediments from the Montenegrin coast

“…Abundance of filaments was similar in sediment samples in this study and at the same locations sampled during 2019 (Bošković et al 2021). Abundance of fragments and films was twice as high in sediment samples in this study compared to the study conducted in 2019, while the abundance of granules was four times higher in the Previous studies reported that filaments were the dominant shape type of MPs in sediments (Thompson et al 2004;Vianello et al 2013;Blašković et al 2017;Mistri et al 2017Mistri et al , 2018Bošković et al 2021). The source of fragments is related to the breakdown of larger plastic debris, films mainly originate from the weathering and cracking of packaging/ bags or plastic wrappers, while granules could originate from various cosmetic products (Claessens et al 2011;Abidli et al 2017Abidli et al , 2018Fan et al 2021).…”

“…Statistical significance ( p < 0.05) was observed between different sampling years (2021 and 2019) and different zones (Boka Kototska Bay and coastal part of the open sea) in relation to the presence of different shape types of MPs (Permanova, Monte Carlo test). Previous studies reported that filaments were the dominant shape type of MPs in sediments (Thompson et al 2004 ; Vianello et al 2013 ; Blašković et al 2017 ; Mistri et al 2017 , 2018 ; Bošković et al 2021 ). The source of fragments is related to the breakdown of larger plastic debris, films mainly originate from the weathering and cracking of packaging/bags or plastic wrappers, while granules could originate from various cosmetic products (Claessens et al 2011 ; Abidli et al 2017 , 2018 ; Fan et al 2021 ).…”

“…Filaments accounted for over 50% of the total MPs at seven of the 10 sampling locations. Filaments in surface sediments can originate from a wide range of sources, such as peeling of plastic fishing gear, domestic sewage (laundry wastewater), and the industrial production of fabrics and textiles (Mistri et al 2018 ; Fan et al 2021 ). Abundance of filaments was similar in sediment samples in this study and at the same locations sampled during 2019 (Bošković et al 2021 ).…”

The Microplastics Occurrence and Toxic Effects in Marine Environment

“…PE & PP) will float on the sea surfaces [51,52]. However, there were evidences reported by few studies showing the accumulation of low density polyethylene (LDPE) in marine sediments [48,53,54]. For instances, [54] reported a total 18% of LDPE was found in 28 sediment samples retrieved from Pianosa Island within a depth of 199 to 142 m. These resulted events were due to the biofouling process which led to the settlement of these low density microplastics in marine ecosystems [55].…”

“…However, there were evidences reported by few studies showing the accumulation of low density polyethylene (LDPE) in marine sediments [48,53,54]. For instances, [54] reported a total 18% of LDPE was found in 28 sediment samples retrieved from Pianosa Island within a depth of 199 to 142 m. These resulted events were due to the biofouling process which led to the settlement of these low density microplastics in marine ecosystems [55]. The density of microplastics was increased by the biofouling of organisms, leading to the negatively buoyant and settlement to the sea floor after their density become larger than that of the sea water [56].…”