CEST2025

Microplastics are synthetic polymer particles less than 5 mm in size and represent a growing environmental concern due to their easily consumable nature and tendency to accumulate in marine organisms. Saronikos Gulf, located in the Aegean Sea between the Argolida and Attica peninsulas, serves as a major maritime route and is subject to elevated anthropogenic pressures compared to offshore environments. In this study, a total of 60 Scomber colias (Atlantic chub mackerel) were collected from the Saronikos Gulf during the summer of 2021 to assess the presence, abundance, and characteristics of ingested microplastics. Sample processing and analysis were conducted following the Medsealitter protocol. The total length of S. colias specimens ranged from 208 to 236 mm, with body weights between 77 and 128 g. Microplastic abundance ranged from 1 to 5 particles per individual. Most of detected microplastics were classified as fragments, with black, blue and red being the most frequently observed colors. Our findings confirm the widespread occurrence of microplastics in S. colias and support its use as a bioindicator species of the pelagic ecosystems. Continued monitoring is recommended to assess spatial and temporal variability in microplastic pollution and associated ecological implications.