Metal concentrations in native and transplanted species in the Eastern Ionian Sea (Greece).

Metal concentrations (Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cd, and Pb) in marine indicator species were assessed for the study of metal pollution in the Eastern Ionian Sea during the cold period of the year (December 2018 to February 2019). Limpets and sea urchins were collected from natural populations at seven coastal stations while mussels were transplanted at three near-shore stations in the study area. Mixed mesozooplankton samples were selected from a twelve-station offshore network.

Cross-contamination by COVID-19 mask microfibers during microlitter analysis of marine biota.

Face masks have been adopted as an essential measure to prevent transmission and spread of the virus infection during the pandemic of Covid-19. The present study evaluates the potential microfibers transfer from face masks to other recipients and the potential cross-contamination of samples by microfibers released from masks worn during the analysis of microlitter ingestion by fish. Results indicated that masks could easily transfer endogenous (originated from the mask tissue itself) and exogenous microfibers (with a different origin than the mask tissue itself) to other recipients (adhesive tape and air in our experiment).

Plastic ingestion by blue shark Prionace glauca in the South Pacific Ocean (south of the Peruvian Sea).

The present study documented for the first time data on plastic ingestion by Prionace glauca in the South Pacific Ocean, south of the Peruvian Sea. In total, 136 individuals were studied between 2015 and 2016. Their size ranged from 61.

Assessment on marine litter ingested by fish in the Adriatic and NE Ionian Sea macro-region (Mediterranean).

This study presents data on the marine litter occurrence in the stomachs of fish species living in different marine habitats for the Adriatic and NE Ionian Sea macro-region. "Macro-litter" was examined in 614 specimens belonging to 11 species, while micro-litter in 230 specimens belonging to 7 species. The study highlights for the first time the presence of litter in the stomachs of the fish species Citharus linguatula.

Anthropogenic microfibres pollution in marine biota. A new and simple methodology to minimize airborne contamination.

Research studies on the effects of microlitter on marine biota have become more and more frequent the last few years. However, there is strong evidence that scientific results based on microlitter analyses can be biased by contamination from air transported fibres. This study demonstrates a low cost and easy to apply methodology to minimize the background contamination and thus to increase results validity.