Marine litter is observed along shorelines, pelagic, benthic marine and lake
systems all around the globe. On beaches, litter creates aesthetic and related economic
problems because a clean beach is one of the most important characteristics of a
seaside resort required by visitors. Litter can reach the marine environment from marine
or land activities but it is estimated that 80% originates from land-based sources.
The marine-based sources of litter include all types of sea-going vessel and offshore
installations, the most abundant plastic debris in the oceans being derelict (lost or
improperly discarded) fishing gear. Most of marine litter is composed by plastics due
to their greater durability and persistence, combined with plastic rising production
and low rates of recovery. Special importance is linked to microplastics because
their ubiquity, persistence, mechanical effects on biota and the ecosystem because of
ingestion by organisms and their toxic potential. As plastics degrade they can release
toxic chemicals initially incorporated during their manufacturing or persistent organic
pollutants and heavy metals sorbed to their surfaces in the environment. Such toxins
can disrupt endocrine functions and cause harmful reproductive and developmental
effects in aquatic animals
