Small-Sized Microplastics (10 Μm) in European Atlantic Coastal Waters

Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive pollutants in coastal waters, raising significant ecological concerns. This study assessed the abundance and characteristics of small-sized MPs (>10 µm) across European Atlantic coastal sites using harmonized sampling and analytical methods. A filter-pump microplastic sampler, the "Universal Filtering Object" (UFO), was employed at all sites, with Manta net (300-µm mesh) sampling conducted at selected locations. Microplastic concentrations ranged from <10 MPs m^-3 to >1600 MPs m^-3, with the Gulf of Finland showing the lowest concentration (5 MPs m^-3) and the Scheldt estuary in Belgium the highest (1603 MPs m^-3). Most MPs (80%) were <300 µm, primarily consisting of polyester, polypropylene, and polyethylene fragments. Manta net sampling consistently underestimated both total and larger than 300 µm MPs compared to UFO sampling. Estuaries and wastewater effluents were identified as pollution hotspots, strongly influencing local MP distributions. MP concentrations in European Atlantic waters were comparable to those in other coastal regions globally. Although current MP levels are unlikely to pose an immediate risk to the marine pelagic food web, the projected increase in plastic production, combined with its low degradability and chemical leaching, underscores the urgency of implementing mitigation measures to prevent future environmental impacts.