Distribution Patterns of Floating Microplastics in Open and Coastal Waters of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (Ionian, Aegean, and Levantine Seas)

Microplastic pollution is a pervasive anthropogenic phenomenon at the ocean surface. Numerous studies have been performed worldwide; nevertheless, distribution patterns, morphological properties, and sources of origin in Eastern Mediterranean Sea are still poorly explored. The purpose this study to investigate patterns surface floating microplastics (MPs) Ionian, Aegean, Levantine Seas relation their sea circulation. In total, eighty-four samples were collected using manta nets from 2014 2020, covering open waters, coastal enclosed gulfs (Corfu Saronikos). MPs concentration measurements revealed high variability ranging 0.012 1.62 items m –2 did not present maximum concentrations close hotspot areas. presence slicks, as recorded visually during our samplings, seems play key role on pattern MPs, highest affected by these formations. dominant shape type identified fragments (50–60%), whilst filaments (1–23%), films (3–26%), foams (0–34%) varied among studied majority waters had sizes ?2 mm peaking between 0.6 1.4 mm. Spectroscopic analysis 11 polymer types both gulfs; most abundant was polyethylene (PE), followed polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS). relative abundance more diverse Saronikos Gulf, compared due proximity major urban industrial sources. Our findings suggest that vicinity population centers determined size highlight significantly local oceanographic conditions, such slicks.