Plastic litter in sediments from a marine area likely to become protected (Aeolian Archipelago's islands, Tyrrhenian sea). Issue 1 (15th December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fastelli, Paolo; Blašković, Andrea; Bernardi, Giulia; Romeo, Teresa; Čižmek, Hrvoje; Andaloro, Franco; Russo, Giovanni F.; Guerranti, Cristiana; Renzi, Monia
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 113:Issue 1/2(2016:Dec.)
• Page Start: 526
• Page End: 529
• Publication Date: 2016-12-15
• Subjects: Microplastics -- Mesoplastics -- Macroplastics -- MPA -- Marine debris -- Marine strategy framework directive; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.08.054
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: This research aims to define for the first time levels and patterns of different litter groups (macro, meso and microplastics) in sediments from a marine area designed for the institution of a new marine protected area (Aeolian Archipelago, Italy). Microplastics resulted the principal group and found in all samples analyzed, with shape and colours variable between different sampling sites. MPs levels measured in this study are similar to values recorded in harbour sites and lower than reported in Adriatic Sea, while macroplastics levels are notably lower than in harbor sites. Sediment grain-size and island extent resulted not significant in determining levels and distribution of plastic debris among islands. In the future, following the establishment of the MPA in the study area, these basic data will be useful to check for potential protective effects on the levels and distribution of plastic debris. Highlights: Litter in sediments from an area designed for the institution of a MPA Microplastics resulted the principal group, found in all samples analyzed Shape and colours variable between different sampling sites Microplastics levels similar to values in harbour sites and lower than in Adriatic Basic data useful to check for potential protective effects