Seagrass beds reveal high abundance of microplastic in sediments: A case study in the Baltic Sea

Microplastic (MPL) contamination in the marine environment is extensively studied yet little known about extent of MPL abundance seagrass beds. The aim this study was to evaluate accumulation coastal (Zostera marina) beds Baltic Sea, Estonia. Surface water sampled by pumping using 40 μm plankton net, and sediments trowel. extracted with NaCl, identified microscopy ATR-FTIR on selected samples. had 0.04–1.2 (median 0.14) MPL/L, similar other areas Sea. Sediments 0–1817 208) MPL/kg (dwt), much higher than previously recorded from adjacent unvegetated offshore sediments, thereby suggesting a strong ability retain MPL. Of MPL, blue fibres were dominant both media. Sediment characterization showed correlation between counts poorly sorted sediments.