Assessing microplastic pollution in Mediterranean marine caves: a proposal for a methodological approach from...

Area of Science:

• Marine Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Pollution Studies

Background:

• Mediterranean marine caves are vital biodiversity hotspots and protected habitats.
• Limited ecological and environmental data exists for these caves, particularly regarding anthropogenic pollution.
• Microplastic (MP) pollution is a growing concern in marine ecosystems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and distribution of microplastics (MPs) in sediments and benthic foraminifera.
• To assess two Mediterranean marine caves, Ficarella Cave and Favignana Cave, for MP contamination.
• To evaluate benthic foraminifera as bioindicators of MP pollution.

Main Methods:

• Sampling of sediments and benthic foraminifera from Ficarella and Favignana Caves.
• Quantification of microplastics in sediment samples.
• Identification of polymer types using μFTIR spectroscopy on foraminifera tests.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in MP contamination levels were observed between the two caves (Ficarella: 39 ± 41 items/kg; Favignana: 8 ± 7 items/kg).
• Ficarella Cave exhibited a higher variability in polymer types.
• Microplastics, including polyethylene, were detected within the tests of analyzed foraminifera species (Textularia bocki, Sigmoilopsis schlumbergeri, Lobatula lobatula), confirming their bioaccumulation.

Conclusions:

• Benthic foraminifera serve as effective early indicators of microplastic pollution in marine environments.
• Integrated studies of MPs across different environmental matrices are crucial for understanding pollutant transfer.
• Standardized sampling and analytical methods are necessary for comparable MP research in marine cave ecosystems.