Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
8871321 | Marine Pollution Bulletin | 2018 | 10 Pages |
Abstract
Using higher size classes as proxy for litter distribution, this study gave a synoptic estimation of the amount, composition, and distribution of floating macro-litter in the Mediterranean. The average amount of macro-litter was in a range of 2-5Â items/km2, with the highest in the Adriatic basin. Seasonal patterns were present in almost all study areas and were significant in the Ligurian Sea, Sardinian-Balearic basin, and Central Tyrrhenian Sea. Plastic accounted for >Â 80% of litter in all areas and seasons, with the highest proportion in the Adriatic Sea, Ligurian Sea, and Sicilian-Sardinian Channels; in the Bonifacio Strait, Tyrrhenian Sea, and Sardinian-Balearic basin, litter composition was instead more diverse. Spatial analysis suggested an almost homogeneous distribution of litter without evident regular aggregation zones.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Earth and Planetary Sciences
Oceanography
Authors
Antonella Arcangeli, Ilaria Campana, Dario Angeletti, Fabrizio Atzori, Marta Azzolin, Lara Carosso, Valentina Di Miccoli, Antonio Giacoletti, Martina Gregorietti, Cristina Luperini, Miriam Paraboschi, Giuliana Pellegrino, Martina Ramazio, Gianluca Sarà ,