The Problem of Microplastics and Regulatory Strategies in Italy

The term “microplastics” was first used in 2004 to describe very small fragments of plastic (~50 μm) in the water column and in sediments. In 2009, Arthur et al. (Proceedings of the International Research Workshop on the Occurrence, Effects and Fate of Microplastic Marine Debris, Sep 9–11, 2008. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS-OR&R-30. 49 p, 2009) proposed that microplastics should include all fragments