Assessing anthropogenic pollution in an oriented nature reserve using Anemonia viridis as a bioindicator

In this study, the feasibility of using the Mediterranean snakelocks anemone Anemonia viridis to monitor anthropogenic microparticles (APs) was evaluated for the first time at two sites within an Oriented Nature Reserve in the Mediterranean Sea (Italy): Faro Lake and Beach Rock (Capo Peloro). Both surface-adhered and ingested APs were isolated and characterized by size, shape, colour, and polymer type using micro-Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy. Also the risk assessment was performed to evaluate the ecological and health implications. Overall, 191 APs were detected (mean 5.30 items/specimen; 0.70 items/g; frequency of occurrence (FO%) 88.89%. Fibres (90.58%) were the predominant shape. Among identified APs (n = 88), cotton (28.41%), polyethylene terephthalate (PET; 14.77%), and cellulose acetate (12.50%) were the most prevalent. A. viridis is a sensitive bioindicator, reflecting local pollution profiles and providing a valuable tool for coastal plastic monitoring and management. Furthermore, the detection of APs in A. viridis, a species traditionally consumed in certain Mediterranean coastal communities (e.g., fried or in soups), raises potential concerns regarding human dietary exposure to microplastics and associated toxicological risks during cooking processes.