title: Large filter feeding marine organisms as indicators of microplastic in the pelagic environment: the case studies of the Mediterranean basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) and fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus).
abstract: The impact of microplastics (plastic fragments smaller than 5 mm) on large filter feeding marine organisms such as baleen whales and sharks are largely unknown. These species potentially are ingesting micro-litter by filter feeding activity. Here we present the case studies of the Mediterranean fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) and basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) exploring the toxicological effects of microplastics in these species measuring the levels of phthalates in both species. The results show higher concentration of MEHP in the muscle of basking shark in comparison to fin whale blubber. These species can be proposed as indicators of microplastics in the pelagic environment in the implementation of Descriptor 8 and 10 of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD).
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy. Electronic address: fossi@unisi.it.
authors.forename: Maria Cristina
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Fossi
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: Daniele
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Coppola
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baini
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Giannetti
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: Cristiana
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Guerranti
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: Letizia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Marsili
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Panti
authors.affiliation: MedSharks, Via Ruggero Fauro 82, 00197 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Eleonora
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: de Sabata
authors.affiliation: MedSharks, Via Ruggero Fauro 82, 00197 Rome, Italy; CTS, via Albalonga 3, 00183 Roma, Italy.
authors.forename: Simona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Clò
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D050617:Fin Whale / Q000378:metabolism*; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated / Q000378:metabolism*; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D010795:Phthalic Acids / Q000378:metabolism*; D010933:Plankton / Q000378:metabolism*; D012754:Sharks / Q000378:metabolism*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; D010795:Phthalic Acids; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical
keywords: Basking shark; Fin whale; Mediterranean Sea; Microplastic; Organochlorines; Phthalates