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The aim of the present study was twofold: (i) to validate the drone methodology for floating marine macro-litter (FMML) monitoring, by comparing the results obtained through concurrent drone surveys and visual observations from vessels, and (ii) to assess FMML densities along the North Western Mediterranean Sea using the validated drone surveys. The comparison between monitoring techniques was performed based on 18 concurrent drone/vessel transects. Similar densities of FMML were detected through the two methods (16 items km−2 from the drone method vs 19 items km−2 from the vessel-based visual method). The assessment of FMML densities was done using 40 additional drone transects performed over the waters off the Catalan coast. The densities of FMML observed ranged 0–200 items km−2. These results provide a validation of the use of drones to monitor FMML and contribute to increasing the knowledge about the density of FMML in the North Western Mediterranean Sea. Unlabelled Image • We compared results from concurrent visual and drone surveys. • The two methods proved equally effective to detect floating marine macro-litter. • We used the drone method to monitor marine litter along the Catalan coast. • We detected densities up to 200 items km−2 in the area off the city of Barcelona. • These results encourage using the drone method to monitor marine litter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastic pollution is a growing cause of concern for the marine environment, particularly in the Mediterranean Sea, which is considered to be one of the most polluted seas worldwide. In this study, the gastrointestinal tracts of 102 bogues (Boops boops), sampled from three areas off the Catalan coast (Spain) subject to different degrees of industrialization, were analysed to assess microplastic ingestion and thus estimate local levels of microplastic pollution. Microplastics were detected in 46% of samples analysed. As expected, the abundance and frequency of occurrence of ingested microplastics were higher off the most anthropized area of Barcelona. The majority of ingested microplastics were blue fragments ranging 0.1–0.5 mm, and the most common polymer type was polypropylene. The results of this study indicate the area off Barcelona as a possible area of concentration for microplastics, further supporting the use of B. boops as a bioindicator to assess microplastic pollution. • Levels of microplastic ingestion were assessed in bogues from the Catalan coast. • The occurrence of ingested microplastics was higher in bogues off Barcelona. • Bogues from less anthropized areas had lower amounts of microplastics in their guts. • The bogue is a suitable indicator of microplastic pollution in the Mediterranean Sea. Capsule: The results of this study indicate the area off Barcelona as a possible area of concentration of microplastics and support the use of Boops boops as a suitable bioindicator for monitoring microplastic pollution in the Mediterranean Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic litter pollution is increasing in the seas and oceans worldwide, raising concern on the potential effects of plasticizer additives on marine fauna. In this study, muscle samples of 30 bogues (Boops boops; Linneaus, 1758) from the North Western Mediterranean Sea were analysed to assess the concentrations of 19 organophosphate flame retardant (OPFR) compounds and to inspect any relationship with microplastic ingestion and relative levels of anthropization. Out of the 19 OPFRs analysed, 6 compounds were detected, being tri-n-butyl phosphate (TNBP), 2-ethylhexyldiphenyl phosphate (EHDPP) and triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) the most abundant. As expected, OPFR concentrations were higher in samples collected off the most anthropized area of the city of Barcelona than in those from the Cap de Creus Marine Protected Area, while no significant correlation was detected between OPFR concentrations and microplastic ingestion. The results of this manuscript provide a first evidence of OPFR presence in the muscle of the bogue and identify the coastal area off Barcelona as a possible concentration area for contaminants, further supporting the use of the bogue as an indicator species of plastic pollution in the Mediterranean Sea. • OPFRs were analysed in the muscle of bogues from the NW Mediterranean Sea. • OPFR concentrations were higher in fish from the area off the city of Barcelona. • No relationship was detected between OPFR levels and microplastic ingestion. • Tri-n-butyl phosphate (TNBP) was the most abundant OPFR in both studied areas. • ΣOPFRs ranged from nd to 1,194 ng g−1 lipid weight basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]