Marine litter in sediments related to ecological features in impacted sites and marine protected areas (Croatia). (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Renzi, Monia; Čižmek, Hrvoje; Blašković, Andrea
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 138(2019)
• Page Start: 25
• Page End: 29
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: Silba -- Central Adriatic Sea -- Microplastics -- Marine protected areas -- Shallow water -- Garbage plastic wastes; 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.2018.11.030
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: This study estimates levels of marine litter including plastics (macro-, meso- and microplastics) in sediments collected in shallow marine water from Croatia (Central Adriatic Sea). Selected sampling areas are characterized by different human pressure: Silba is highly stressed by tourism while Grebena is listed as marine protected area (MPA) of future institution. Obtained results on marine litter in sediments are correlated to ecological features recorded in each sampling site. Marine litter in collected sediments ranged within 180–528 items/kg d.w. Macroplastics were not recorded while mesoplastics were 1.3–4.8%. On a general basis, fibres are higher than microplastics. In Južni Greben, level of fragments higher than fibres was recorded. A slight significance of the factor "water depth" was evidenced by the statistical analyses exploring relationships among marine litter and ecological features. Furthermore, Silba and Grebena Islands showed a significant different assessment of size, shape and colour features. These results suggest different sources/dynamics affecting marine litter recorded in marine areas stressed by tourism compared to MPA. Highlights: Marine litter in touristic areas and MPA from Croatia Islands ranged within 180–528 items/kg d.w. Macroplastics were not recorded while mesoplastics were 1.3–4.8%. Fibres and fragments were the more frequent shapes. Significant differences in marine litter were recorded between MPA and touristic stressed areas.