Assessment of microplastics and other contaminants in marine vertebrates from the Western Mediterranean Sea

Mediterranean marine biodiversity is under threat by pollution. For this reason, the main objective of this thesis was to analyse the presence of pollutants of concern in Mediterranean marine species. These studies are located in the Valencian Community (Spain), where we find loggerhead turtles, striped dolphins, and jewel lanternfish. Hence, we: 1. Analysed pesticides, heavy metals and phthalates in tissues of loggerhead turtles. 2. Studied microdebris present in beaches that are sporadically used as nesting grounds by loggerhead turtles. 3. Analysed striped dolphins# exposure to microplastics. 4. Quantified jewel lanternfish exposure to microplastics and tested their role as bioindicators…