Levels of trace metals on microplastic particles in beach sediments of the island of Vis, Adriatic Sea, Croatia

Maršić-Lučić, Jasna; Lušić, Jelena; Tutman, Pero; Bojanić Varezić, Dubravka; Šiljić, Jasna; Pribudić, Joško

Levels of trace metals on microplastic particles in beach sediments of the island of Vis, Adriatic Sea, Croatia

2018

The aim of this study was to determine the levels of trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in plastic pellets collected from two sandy beaches on the island of Vis, Croatia. A total of 92 pellets in a sediment volume of 3965 mL were collected at the investigated sampling sites. Concentrations of pellets in sediment samples ranged from 6 to 36 particles dm−3 of wet sediment. Mean particle weight of the collected beached pellets ranged from 17 mg to 31 mg. Trace metal concentrations in plastic pellets were greater than the concentrations reported for seawater in the investigated area, which indicates that plastic pellets sorb metals from the marine environment. The adsorbed trace metals may enter the food chain due to incidental ingestion of microplastic particles by marine animals, which presents a potential human health risk due to consumption of seafood.

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