Impacts of microplastics on marine organisms are largely unknown. Micro-debris floating on
theMediterranean Sea have reached amaximum of 892,000 per km2particles.
Untilnownodataarereportedontheeffects of microplastics on baleen whales which with the
filtrating activities potentially undergo to the ingestion of micr-litter. Here we present the case
study of the Mediterranean fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), exploring for the first time the
potential impact of microplastics in the baleenwhale, suggesting the use of phthalates as a�…

Baleen whales are potentially exposed to micro-litter ingestion as a result of their filter-
feeding activity. However, the impacts of microplastics on baleen whales are largely
unknown. In this case study of the Mediterranean fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), we
explore the toxicological effects of microplastics on mysticetes. The study included the
following three steps:(1) the collection/count of microplastics in the Pelagos Sanctuary
(Mediterranean Sea),(2) the detection of phthalates in surface neustonic/planktonic samples�…