Litter & microplastics features in table salts from marine origin: Italian versus Croatian brands. (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Renzi, Monia; Blašković, Andrea
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 135(2018)
• Page Start: 62
• Page End: 68
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: Plastic litter -- Microplastics -- Table salt -- Sea salt brands -- Italy -- Croatia; 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.2018.06.065
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: This study estimates litter content, including microplastics, mesoplastic, and macroplastic in marine table salts coming from Italy and Croatia. Both high (HC) and low (LC) costs commercial brands easily found at the supermarket were analysed. Any macroplastic or mesoplastic were recovered while microplastics and other litter impurities significantly affect table salts of all tested brands. Average microplastic values ranged within 1.57 (HC) – 8.23 (LC) (Italy) and 27.13 (HC) – 31.68 (LC) items/g (Croatia). Microplastics sizes (min-max) ranged within 4–2100 μm (Italy) and 15–4628 μm (Croatia). In samples from both Nations, a significant general positive correlation between the average number of items/g recorded and the total amount of general impurities was recorded. Concerning microplastic shapes, in Italy, fragments dominated even if fibres, granules, films, and foams are frequently recorded. On the contrary, clear PP fibres dominated in Croatian brands even if also other shape classes were recorded. Highlights: Italian and Croatian brands of fine iodate marine salts are studied. Total impurities and microplastic levels are correlated. Italian and Croatian brands resulted highly polluted than literature. Clear PP fibres affect Croatian brands.