Spectroscopic and thermal analysis of Ligurian Sea surface floating plastic fragments collected in the framework of participative science

Surface floating microplastic material was collected in the Ligurian Sea during specific campaigns of the citizen science association Expedition MED. 52 samples were collected between Toulon, Calvi and Genova at an average speed of 2.5 knots during 60 min each with a Manta trawl net lined with 0.333 mm mesh. Samples were transferred to the collaborating scientific institutes. Microplastic was enumerated and measured by imaging techniques and sorted out. It was further characterized using spectroscopy or thermal analysis in order to classify it into different families of plastics as polyolefins, polystyrenics, polyesters, polyamides and others. Volunteers were involved in assisting sampling operations and were supervised closely. This interactive science program allows comforting the study on the long term. A more collaborative governance of the marine environment by citizens is another benefit of this approach.