The impact of macro and micro-plastics on Mediterranean large vertebrates: persistent Bioaccumulative Toxic (PBT) substances, plastic additives and related toxicological effects

This paper focuses on three main aspects related to the impact of macro and micro-plastics on Mediterranean large vertebrates: a) the direct and indirect effects of micro- and macro-plastics exposure and related contaminants, on large marine vertebrates; b) the case studies of three large marine vertebrates in the Mediterranean, the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), the basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) and a reptile, the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta); c) future developments on how to detect the toxicological effects in these species.