Development of a Thermo Degradation Method to Assess Levels and Distribution of Microplastics in Marine Sediments and Its Application in Two Case Studies: The Northern Adriatic Sea (Italy) and Boknafjord (Norway)

Plastic waste is of increasing concern in the aquatic environment. A large portion of this plastic waste is produced onshore and reaches the marine environment, which is considered the main sink of plastic debris. Floating plastic particles accumulate in pelagic habitats. However, due to biofilm formation they eventually sink and accumulate on the seafloor together with non-buoyant by design plastic particles, posing a risk to benthic communities.