Microplastic Contamination in Protected Areas of the Gulf of Venice

Abstract We investigated the concentration and composition of plastics in 7 Special Areas Conservation (SACs) from Gulf Venice (northern Adriatic Sea). A total 42 sediment samples were analyzed 21 sites 2017 to 2018. All except one found be polluted by plastics, with density ranging between 2250 28.4 items kg −1 . Microplastics ranged 100 61.6% collected plastics. Fragments more represented than filaments. The greatest plastic concentrations generally recorded western SACs. Identification through FT-IR spectroscopy evidenced presence 8 polymer types: SACS, majority low-density polymers (PE, PP, PS, TPU), while eastern SACs they high-density (PET, nylon, PVC). In addition role large rivers (all on side Gulf) conveying into sea, a possible cyclonic water circulation northern Sea distribution along coasts is likely.