Mission Tara Microplastics: a holistic set of protocols and data resources for the field investigation of plastic pollution along the land-sea continuum in Europe

A comprehensive investigation of plastic pollution along nine major European rivers, including the Seine, reveals significant variability in microplastic (MP) concentrations and composition across salinity gradients. The Mission Tara Microplastics study employed a holistic approach, integrating biophysicochemical measurements, microbial diversity analysis, and toxicity tests to assess MP impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Key findings highlight differences in plastic pollution traits among rivers, providing a baseline for the Anthropocene era and insights into potential toxicological effects. By tracking MPs from land to sea, the study also models their transport and examines the role of plastics as vectors for pathogens or invasive species. Standardized protocols were developed to ensure rigorous data collection, supporting predictive modeling aligned with European environmental initiatives.

Ghiglione, J.-F., Barbe, V., Bruzaud, S., Burgaud, G., Cachot, J., Eyheraguibel, B., Lartaud, F., Ludwig, W., Meistertzheim, A.-L., Paul-Pont, I., Pesant, S., ter Halle, A., Thiebeauld, O., Ghiglione, J. F., Philip, L., Odobel, C., Pandin, C., Pujo-Pay, M., et al. (2023). Mission Tara Microplastics: a holistic set of protocols and data resources for the field investigation of plastic pollution along the land-sea continuum in Europe. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 32(16), 10032–10049. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-26883-9