Microplastic contamination and the benefits of blue flag beach status

Abstract This study aimed to determine the effect of “Blue Flag” status, an award that reflects a strong dedication to the sustainable management and protection of coastal resources, on the level of microplastic (MP) in beach samples. Quantitative determination of MPs was carried out at two beach locations in Greece, a Blue Flag beach in Glyfada, Attica, and beaches of the remote island of Leros without Blue Flag status. Samples of surface sand sampled at a maximum depth of 3 cm were taken along the wrack line at 100 m intervals, following which MPs were separated using density floatation, quantified, and optically identified based on shape and colour. In Glyfada, MPs were green, yellow, blue, and light blue in colour. Shapes included fragments, pellets, and fibres, and the item number ranged from 0 to 4 per kg dry weight. In Leros, MPs were mostly black, blue, and white in colour. Shapes included fibres, fragments, foams, films and pellets, and item numbers ranged from 20 to 163 per kg of dry weight, at Alinda Beach, and 164 to 543 items per kg of dry weight for Gourna Beach. The results indicated that the benefits of Blue Flag status extend not only to improved microbial and chemical status of beaches but also to the mitigation of MP contamination.