The Mediterranean region has been noted to contain the sixth-largest accumulation of plastic debris on the planet. Archipelagos' research on plastic and microplastic pollution aims to inform and alert citizens and authorities. We focus on assessing the dispersal of plastic waste fragments and fibres in our seas, identifying the primary sources of microplastics, quantifying the extent of contamination, and determining the accumulation in the food chain. Laboratory activity is studied in our Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary. Work here is characterised by sample analysis obtained directly from fieldwork, such as sediment and seagrass collection, or by previously collections stored for further analysis, such as fish. The analysis consists of the phase of sample pretreatment as sedimentation and digestion and, after filtration, the microplastics are counted and photographed using a stereomicroscope.
