Are baleen whales exposed to the threat of microplastics? A case study of the Mediterranean fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus)

► Assessment of the impact of microplastics and plastic additives in baleen whales. ► High microplastics abundance detected in superficial plankton in Pelagos Sanctuary. ► The relevant phthalates levels in plankton and stranded fin whales raise concern. ► Phthalates as tracer of plastic ingestion in filter-feeding species. ► Large filter-feeder species as sentinels for Descriptor 10 of EU MSFD.