Sub-Basin Scale Heterogeneity in the Polymeric Composition of Floating Microplastics in the Mediterranean Sea

Abstract

The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most polluted areas of the world with regard to microplastics. However, detailed knowledge about the spatial variability in microplastics abundance and composition is lacking. We present here the result of a large-scale survey of microplastic pollution in Mediterranean surface waters, demonstrating sub-basin scale heterogeneity in the abundance and in the polymeric composition of these floating particles, which is likely the ultimate result of a complex interplay between pollution sources, sinks and residence times of different polymers at sea.