Floating microplastic abundance and composition off the eastern coast of Lesvos island (NE Aegean) in autumn 2017

Abstract

Microplastic pollution is a major environmental issue nowadays. Despite the increasing microplastic awareness globally, over the last decade, it still threatens the marine environment. The Aegean Sea (Northeast Mediterranean Sea) where the present study refers to has not been previously examined thoroughly for macro- and microplastic abundance and composition. In this study, seven sampling transects were conducted at Mytilene Strait off the Εastern coast of Lesvos island, in which floating plastic debris were collected with a Manta net. Overall, thirteen samples were collected at three different coastal areas close to the urban area of Mytilene; namely offshore the Waste Water Treatment Plant, the Power Plant area and the Varia suburb where a small fishing port operates. The samples were analysed and the distribution, the size, the abundance and the shape of microplastic items was determined. Results revealed a high concentration of 75,218 items km-2 nearshore (<2km). Fragments were found in higher abundance (586 items) in all samples, followed by filaments (148 items), foams (60 items) and films (44 items), while pellets were present in only two samples. Sizes of small-sized particles were varying from <1mm, 1-5mm and 5-15mm. Polymer identification by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy revealed that dominant polymers were polyethylene and polypropylene and in some areas polyvinyl acetate.