Maria Cristina Fossi

TL;DR: The results of this study represent the first warning of this emerging threat to baleen whales as high concentrations of phthalates were detected in the neustonic/planktonic samples.

TL;DR: Preliminary results represent an important initial phase in exploring two main ecotoxicological aspects: the assessment of the presence and impact of plastic debris on these large pelagic fish, and the potential effects related to the transfer of contaminants on human health.

TL;DR: It is proposed that, in addition to biomarker measurements on samples obtained from organisms at field sites, biomarker screening tests should be initiated in the laboratory with a range of new chemicals and organisms relevant to the field sites thought to be at risk to establish links between laboratory-based testing and adverse effects in situ.

TL;DR: The presence of different types of MPs was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy, with predominant abundance of polyethylene and polypropylene, and the potential environmental impact arising from scientific activities, such as marine activities for scientific purposes, and from the sewage treatment plant, was evidenced.

TL;DR: The histological picture that characterizes both groups especially after 90 days of exposure, suggests that the intestinal functions can be in some cases totally compromised, and the impact of increasing microplastics pollution on the marine trophic web is underline.