title: An evaluation of surface micro- and mesoplastic pollution in pelagic ecosystems of the Western Mediterranean Sea.
abstract: This study examines the distribution, abundance and characteristics of surface micro- and mesoplastic debris in the Western Mediterranean Sea. 41 samples were collected in 2011 (summer) and 2012 (summer). Results, firstly, revealed that micro- (<5 mm) and mesoplastic debris were widely and uniformly distributed in this area with average concentrations of 130,000 parts/km(2) and 5700 parts/km(2), respectively. Importantly, a strong correlation between micro- and mesoplastic concentrations was identified. Secondly, a classification based on the shape and appearance of microplastics indicated the predominant presence of fragments (73%) followed by thin films (14%). Thirdly, the average mass ratio of microplastic to dry organic matter has been measured at 0.5, revealing a significant presence of microplastics in comparison to plankton. Finally, a correction method was applied in order to correct wind mixing effect on microplastics' vertical distribution. This data allows for a comprehensive view, for the first time, of the spatial distribution and nature of plastic debris in the Western Mediterranean Sea.
authors.affiliation: Oceaneye Association, Rue Royaume 10, 1201, Geneva, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Florian
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Faure
authors.forename: Camille
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Saini
authors.forename: Gaël
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Potter
authors.forename: François
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Galgani
authors.forename: Luiz Felippe
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: de Alencastro
authors.forename: Pascal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hagmann
mesh_terms: D017753:Ecosystem; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008522:Mediterranean Sea; D010933:Plankton / Q000502:physiology; D010969:Plastics / Q000032:analysis*; D011156:Population Density; D012621:Seasons; D014866:Waste Products / Q000032:analysis*; D014876:Water Pollution / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D010969:Plastics; D014866:Waste Products