![]() The presence of sea surface slicks, as recorded visually during our samplings, seems to play a key role on the distribution pattern of MPs, and highest concentrations were recorded in samples affected by these formations. MPs concentration measurements revealed high variability ranging from 0.012 to 1.62 items m –2 and did not present maximum concentrations close to MPs hotspot areas. In total, eighty-four samples were collected using manta nets from 2014 to 2020, covering open waters, coastal waters, and enclosed gulfs (Corfu and Saronikos). The purpose of this study is to investigate the distribution patterns of surface floating microplastics (MPs) in the Ionian, Aegean, and Levantine Seas in relation to their sources and sea surface circulation. Numerous studies have been performed worldwide nevertheless, the distribution patterns, morphological properties, and sources of origin in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea are still poorly explored. Microplastic pollution is a pervasive anthropogenic phenomenon at the ocean surface. ![]() 3UN Environment Programme/Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP), Athens, Greece.2National Research Council, Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (CNR-IAS), Genoa, Italy. ![]() ![]() 1Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), Anavyssos, Greece. ![]() Argyro Adamopoulou 1, Christina Zeri 1*, Francesca Garaventa 2, Chiara Gambardella 2, Christos Ioakeimidis 3 and Elli Pitta 1 ![]()
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