Following the Fate of Microplastic along the Ticino River, Italy

The Ticino river is known to be one of the cleanest and natural rivers in northern Italy. However, little is known about it‘s microplastic (MP) pollution. Unlike marine MP pollution, freshwater studies are still few and studies on freshwater organism are very scarce. In this study we aim to identify and report the abundance, composition and fate of MPs along the Ticino river by sampling surface water (Neuston trawl, mesh size 0.06 and 0.28 mm), subtidal sediment (Van Veen grab), macroinvertebrates (kick-sampling method) and fish (Silurus glanis). Sampling sites are situated between Lago Maggiore and the estuary near the Po river and include sampling directly downstream of waste water treatment plant (WWTP) locations as potential main input of MP. By analysing the size, shape, abundance, distribution and polymer type (applying FT-IR spectroscopy) of the sampled microplastic the research will contribute to the demonstration of predictable patterns in microplastic characteristics along the river. Therefore, we will be able to give indications on their origin and former use. Moreover, MP found in macrozoobenthos and Silurus glanis can be an indication of MP transfer within the foodweb. This study represents the first in Italy investigating the occurrence of MP over the length of a river, not only from water and sediment samples, but also related to biota. First results of MP concentration in sampled media will be presented in the conference. In addition to the implications of the results, also the applicability of the used sampling, extraction and analytical technique will be assessed.