Trace and rare earth elements in phytoplankton from the Tyrrhenian Sea (Italy).

Plankton plays a very crucial role in bioaccumulation and transfer of metals in the marine food web and represents a suitable bioindicator of the occurrence of trace and rare earth elements in the ecosystem. Trace elements and REEs were analyzed by ICP-MS in phytoplankton samples from the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. Metal concentrations in phytoplankton were found strongly influenced by seasons and depth of collection (- 30 m, - 50 m). Principal component analysis (PCA) has shown that Al, As, Cr, Cu, Ga, and Sn concentrations were related to summer and autumn in samples collected at 30 m depth, while Fe, Mn, Ni, V, and Zn levels related strongly with summer and spring at 50 m depth. Fe, Al, and Zn were the most represented elements in all samples (mean values respectively in the ranges 4.2-8.2, 9.6-13, and 1.0-4.4 mg kg-1) according to their widespread presence in the environment and in the earth crust. Principal component analysis (PCA) performed on REEs showed that mostly all lanthanides' concentrations strongly correlate with summer and autumn seasons (- 30 m depth); the highest ∑REE concentration (75 µg kg-1) was found in winter. Phytoplankton REE normalized profile was comparable to those of other marine biota collected in the same area according to the suitability of lanthanides as geological tracers.

Optimization and validation of a quick and responsive LC-ESI-MS/MS method to evaluate tetracycline residues in processed animal proteins (PAPs).

Following the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in 2001, processed animal proteins (PAPs) reintroduction is envisaged in non-ruminant feed thanks to their high protein content, easy availability and cost-effective characteristics. PAPs must be submitted to rendering practices, providing sterilization of products, under standardized conditions of temperature and pressure, according to Regulation (EC) No 142/2011. However, the chemical risk associated to these raw materials has been never evaluated. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a reliable liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the determination and quantification of tetracycline residues in PAPs at µg kg-1 level. The LC-MS/MS method performances were evaluated in terms of specificity, linearity (25-500 µg kg-1), limit of quantitation (LOQ) (25 µg kg-1), accuracy and precision (CV% < 25%), uncertainty, recovery (80-120%) and ruggedness. All the evaluated parameters fulfilled the analytical performance criteria, and the validated LC-MS/MS method fits for purpose as confirmatory method on the occurrence of residues (µg kg-1) of tetracyclines in PAPs. PAPs are a powerful product which could be used both as raw materials in feed and in organic fertilizer production in a circular economy context. Therefore, the lack of regulation and control over antibiotic occurrence should be implemented to avoid a misuse and an increment of antibiotic resistance pressure over the environment and to ensure safety of the feed and food chain.

Passive surveillance of wild fauna in northwestern Italy: a possible cognitive approach through geographical district study and fur elementary analysis.

The analysis of animal hair is a useful and non-invasive investigation method for monitoring metal content, whose beginning dates to a few decades ago. This study addresses the issue of wildlife mortality in Piedmont and Aosta Valley by linking the evidence to the characteristics of the territories and to hair elemental profile. The considered animal species were badger, fox, marten, and wolf. The quantitative data for 11 trace metals and 16 lanthanides were evaluated considering animal location and death causes regarding impacts, whose relevant number was confined to the Turin province and to the badger and fox species. The evaluation of the analytical results was performed after the out of bounds sample identification by mean of statistics. For trace metals, some areas have thus been identified, mainly in Turin province, in which the large excess of As, Cd, and Pb was related to district pollution. Moreover, the lower contents of Fe, Mn, and Al in Aosta Valley badgers' hair seem influenced by the different characteristics of the subsoil, in comparison to Piedmont, and a relationship with the living environment and the habits was suggested. Regarding lanthanides, Biella province represents an area in which environmental contamination and abundance of rare-earth elements was recorded.

Water environments: metal-tolerant and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The potential threat of both metals and antibiotics to the environment and human health has raised significant concerns in the last decade. Metal-resistant and antibiotic-resistant bacteria are found in most environments, including water, and the risk posed to humans and animals due to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic-resistant genes in the environment is increasing. Bacteria have developed the ability to tolerate metals even at notable concentrations. This ability tends to favor the selection of antibiotic-resistant strains, even in pristine water environments, with the potential risk of spreading this resistance to human pathogens. In this mini-review, we focus on investigations performed in marine and freshwater environments worldwide, highlighting the presence of co-resistance to metals and antibiotics.

A Portable Setup for the Voltammetric Determination of Total Mercury in Fish with Solid and Nanostructured Gold Electrodes.

A simple procedure for field fish sample pretreatment was developed. This treatment in combination with square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SW-ASV) with solid gold electrodes (SGE) and gold nanoparticle-modified glassy carbon electrodes (AuNPs-GCE) was applied for the determination of total mercury content. A certified reference material (CRM, Tuna Fish BCR 463), ten freeze-dried samples of canned tuna and two fresh fish samples were analysed both with a bench-top voltammetric analyser after microwave digestion and with a portable potentiostat after mild eating using a small commercial food warmer. The results obtained by the two SW-ASV approaches and by a Direct Mercury Analyser (DMA), the official method for mercury determination, were in very good agreement. In particular, (i) the results obtained with in field procedure are consistent with those obtained with the conventional microwave digestion; (ii) the presence of gold nanoparticles on the active electrode surface permits an improvement of the analytical performance in comparison to the SGE: the Limit of Quantification (LOQ) for mercury in fish-matrix was 0.1 µg L-1 (Hg cell concentration), corresponding to 0.06 mg kg-1 wet fish, which is a performance comparable to that of DMA. The pretreatment proposed in this study is very easy and applicable to fresh fish; in combination with a portable potentiostat, it proved to be an interesting procedure for on-site mercury determination.

A comparative study on subacute toxicity of arsenic trioxide and dimethylarsinic acid on antioxidant status in Crandell Rees feline kidney (CRFK), human hepatocellular carcinoma (PLC/PRF/5), and epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cell lines.

Arsenic (As) is a global contaminant of terrestrial and aquatic environments posing concern for environmental and human health. The effects of subacute concentrations of arsenic trioxide (AsIII) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMAV) were examined using Crandell Rees feline kidney (CRFK), human hepatocellular carcinoma (PLC/PRF/5), and epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC). Whole monolayer with suffering cells (confluence 100%, pyknosis and refractive cells; value scale = 2) led to identification of subacute As concentrations for the three cell lines. The selected AsIII concentrations were 1.33 µM for CRFK and 33.37 µM for PLC/PRF/5 and EPC, at 48 hr time point. The selected DMAV concentrations were 0.67 mM for PLC/PRF/5, 1.33 mM for CRFK, and 2.67 mM for EPC for 48 hr. Unlike the AsIII test, the three cell lines did not exhibit marked susceptibility to DMAV-mediated toxicity. Several oxidative stress biomarker levels, directly or indirectly associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) elimination including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidases, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, glyoxalase I, glyoxalase II, and total glutathione, were determined in the three cell lines at 24 and 48 hr. Antioxidant responses in metal-treated cells were significantly altered compared to controls, suggesting a perturbation of redox state. The weakening of antioxidant pathway in either healthy or tumoral cells was greater using AsIII than DMAV. Differences in level of several oxidative stress biomarkers suggest that the oxidative stress mechanism induced by AsIII is distinctly different from DMAV. Multifaceted mechanisms of action underlying ROS generation in tumor and nontumor cells versus AsIII and DMAV exposure are thus involved. Since As-mediated toxicity is quite complex, more data regarding both oxidant-enhancement and oxidant-lowering strategies may be useful to improve knowledge regarding the influence of As on human and animal cells.

Sex- and age-related variation in metal content of penguin feathers.

The presence of xenobiotics, such as metals, in ecosystems is concerning due to their durability and they pose a threat to the health and life of organisms. Moreover, mercury can biomagnify in many marine food chains and, therefore, organisms at higher trophic levels can be adversely impacted. Although feathers have been used extensively as a bio-monitoring tool, only a few studies have addressed the effect of both age and sex on metal accumulation. In this study, the concentrations of trace elements were determined in the feathers of all members of a captive colony of African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus) housed in a zoological facility in Italy. Tests were performed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry to detect aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, selenium, tin, vanadium, and zinc. Mercury was detected by a direct mercury analyzer. Sexing was performed by a molecular approach based on analyzing the chromo-helicase-DNA-binding1 gene, located on the sex chromosomes. Sex- and age-related differences were studied in order to investigate the different patterns of metal bioaccumulation between male and female individuals and between adults and juveniles. Juvenile females had significantly higher arsenic levels than males, while selenium levels increased significantly with age in both sexes. Penguins kept in controlled environments-given that diet and habitat are under strict control-represent a unique opportunity to determine if and how metal bioaccumulation is related to sex and age.

Blood metal levels and related antioxidant enzyme activities in patients with ataxia telangiectasia.

Transition metals are cofactors for a wide range of vital enzymes and are directly or indirectly involved in the response against reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage cellular components. Their altered homeostasis has been studied in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but no data are available on rarer conditions. We aimed at studying the role of essential trace elements in ataxia telangiectasia (A-T), a rare form of pediatric autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxia with altered antioxidant response. We found an increased level of copper (Cu, p=0.0002) and a reduced level of zinc (Zn, p=0.0002) in the blood of patients (n. 16) compared to controls, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Other trace elements involved in the oxidative stress response, such as manganese (Mn) and selenium (Se), were unaltered. Cu/Zn-dependent superoxide dismutase (SOD1) was shown to have a 30% reduction in gene expression and 40% reduction in enzyme activity upon analysis of lymphoblastoid cell lines of patients (Student's t-test, p=0.0075). We also found a 30% reduction of Mn-SOD (SOD2; Student's t-test, p=0.02), probably due to a feedback regulatory loop between the two enzymes. The expression of antioxidant enzymes, such as erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPX1), and SOD2 was unaltered, whereas catalase (CAT) was increased in A-T cells, both at the mRNA level and in terms of enzyme activity (~25%). Enhanced CAT expression can be attributed to the high ROS status, which induces CAT transcription. These results suggest that alterations in essential trace elements and their related enzymes may play a role in the pathogenesis of A-T, although we cannot conclude if altered homeostasis is a direct effect of A-T mutated genes (ATM). Altered homeostasis of trace elements may be more prevalent in neurodegenerative diseases than previously thought, and it may represent both a biomarker and a generic therapeutic target for different disorders with the common theme of altered antioxidant enzyme responses associated with an unbalance of metals.

A de novo X;8 translocation creates a PTK2-THOC2 gene fusion with THOC2 expression knockdown in a patient with psychomotor retardation and congenital cerebellar hypoplasia.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: We identified a balanced de novo translocation involving chromosomes Xq25 and 8q24 in an eight year-old girl with a non-progressive form of congenital ataxia, cognitive impairment and cerebellar hypoplasia. METHODS AND RESULTS: Breakpoint definition showed that the promoter of the Protein Tyrosine Kinase 2 (PTK2, also known as Focal Adhesion Kinase, FAK) gene on chromosome 8q24.3 is translocated 2 kb upstream of the THO complex subunit 2 (THOC2) gene on chromosome Xq25. PTK2 is a well-known non-receptor tyrosine kinase whereas THOC2 encodes a component of the evolutionarily conserved multiprotein THO complex, involved in mRNA export from nucleus. The translocation generated a sterile fusion transcript under the control of the PTK2 promoter, affecting expression of both PTK2 and THOC2 genes. PTK2 is involved in cell adhesion and, in neurons, plays a role in axonal guidance, and neurite growth and attraction. However, PTK2 haploinsufficiency alone is unlikely to be associated with human disease. Therefore, we studied the role of THOC2 in the CNS using three models: 1) THOC2 ortholog knockout in C.elegans which produced functional defects in specific sensory neurons; 2) Thoc2 knockdown in primary rat hippocampal neurons which increased neurite extension; 3) Thoc2 knockdown in neuronal stem cells (LC1) which increased their in vitro growth rate without modifying apoptosis levels. CONCLUSION: We suggest that THOC2 can play specific roles in neuronal cells and, possibly in combination with PTK2 reduction, may affect normal neural network formation, leading to cognitive impairment and cerebellar congenital hypoplasia.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon levels in European catfish from the upper Po River basin.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a major concern in environmental studies as many of them have been labeled as probable carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC 1983). Due to their lipophilic properties and resistance to degradation, PAHs can accumulate in organic tissue. As a consequence, alarming concentrations of these compounds have been found in many aquatic species. The European catfish (Silurus glanis) is a top food chain predator that is considered to be a reliable bio-indicator of environmental pollution. From 2009 to 2011, 54 specimens of S. glanis were captured from four different sites covering the area of the Po River basin (Northern Italy). Fish muscles were analyzed in the laboratory to determine the levels of nine PAHs, namely naphthalene, acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, chrysene, and benz[a]pyrene (BaP), which were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The total average concentration of PAHs was 26.90 ± 49.50 ng g(-1) (min 0.60, max 275.75 ng g(-1)). Analysis showed that 9.20% of the fish muscles exceeded the maximum levels of 2 ng g(-1) set for BaP by European regulations (Commission Regulation (EC), 2006). Values measured for benz[a]pyrene ranged from 0.05 to 8.20 ng g(-1) (mean 1.07 ± 1.58 ng g(-1)). Chrysene and benz[a]anthracene, both considered potential human carcinogens (PAH2), were found at levels of 4.40 and 0.05 ng g(-1) (mean values), respectively. The highest mean concentration was recorded for anthracene (12.92 ng g(-1)), which has been recently included in the list of substances of very high concern (SVHC) as reported by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA 1-9, 2009).

The hooded crow (Corvus cornix) as an environmental bioindicator species of heavy metal contamination.

This study aims to examine the possible presence of lead and cadmium in the liver and kidneys of hooded crows (Corvus cornix). Liver and kidneys of hooded crow carcasses were collected in Province of Cuneo (Piedmont, Italy) in order to detect lead and cadmium content. Significant differences were found in lead and cadmium levels between areas of intensive cultivation versus areas where meadows are prevalent. Moreover, age greatly influenced the burden of heavy metals, while sex did not seem to affect the level of contamination. The source of contamination may be phosphate fertilizers used for intensive cultivation in the study area.

Distribution of rare earth elements (REEs) in the feathers of gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) from different geographical locations of the Antarctic peninsula area.

Antarctica is the most remote and coldest regions of the planet, but the presence of REEs there has received little attention. This study assessed REE-contents in the feathers of adult gentoo penguins from Ardley Island, Kopaitic Island and Base O'Higgins. Field work was accomplished during 2011 (austral summer), and determination of elements was performed with ICP-MS. In general, REE-levels showed descending relations as follows: Ce > La > Y > Nd > Sc > Pr > Gd > Sm > Dy >Er > Yb > Eu > Ho > Tb > Tm > Lu. The data showed an increase of the levels of REEs from the lower part of the feather to the tip. This finding seems to be spatially dependent, but geochemical, anthropogenic conditions, feeding habits, sex, or even health status of birds should also be considered. It is a subject that requires deeper attention in future studies.

Seasonal variability of trace elements bioaccumulation in Pacific Oysters (Crassostrea gigas) from an experimental pilot farm in the Calich Lagoon (Sardinia, Italy).

BACKGROUND: Metals pollution is a worldwide environmental issue due to their persistence in the ecosystems, non-degradability, and bioaccumulation in marine biota. Pacific Oysters (Crassostrea gigas) are highly nutritious bivalve representing an important dietary constituent but may accumulate metals through feeding on suspended sediments from surrounding water, then represent a suitable tool for biomonitoring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The occurrence of trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Se, Sn, V, Zn) was investigated in Pacific Oysters (Cassostrea gigas) collected from Calich Lagoon in each season of 2019. Samples were homogenized and subjected to microwave acid digestion before being analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). RESULTS: The results showed a significant seasonal variation for temperature, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll, and pH. Moreover, high significant seasonal variation in concentrations of Cd, Mn, Ni, and V was recorded. The highest values were found for Fe (128 mg kg⁻1 w.w.), and Al (112 mg kg⁻1 w.w.) in October, for Zn (113 mg kg⁻1 w.w.) in March and May. CONCLUSIONS: Pacific Oysters were confirmed as suitable bioindicators of the health status of coastal lagoons; trace elements concentrations were highly affected by season of collection, and according to literature the highest values were recorded in autumn and summer. The EU legal limits for Cd and Pb were not exceeded, then the farmed oysters were safe to consumers.

Preliminary Data on Essential and Non-essential Element Occurrence in Processed Animal Proteins from Insects.

Insects represent a valuable and environmentally friendly protein alternative in food and feed. The Farm to Fork strategy encouraged the reintroduction of animal by-products in feed production to optimise recycling and to valorise under-used resources. In order to grant safe and valuable feed products, this study investigated the black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) chemical risk. Samples collected in different steps of production (8 samples of substrate for culturing, 7 samples of larvae, 15 samples of protein meal, 18 samples of spent substrate) were analysed for microessential elements (chromium, copper, iron, nickel, selenium and zinc) and inorganic contaminants (aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, lead, tin and vanadium) by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). Microessential elements were found in the following order: Fe > Zn > Cu > Ni > Se > Cr (mg kg-1). Non-essential element concentrations were found lower than the set limits according to the European Union Regulations. The growing demand for alternative protein sources for feed production could be partially compensated by black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) meal, as it appears a good source for high-quality proteins and microessential elements which play a pivotal role in animal growth. In the foreseeable future the current legislation and the official monitoring plans may be implemented and broaden, to focus and assess limits for upcoming matrices, and to ensure feed and food safety.

Burden of rare earth elements and trace elements in feathers of magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) from the southern Chilean Patagonia.

Patagonia is one of the last pristine regions on the southern hemisphere. The impact of rare earth element (REEs) and trace elements (TEs) in this region have received little attention. The main goal was to assess REEs burden in feathers of adult magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus). Sampling was performed at Magdalena Island of the Chilean Patagonia during the austral summer of 2011. Multi-elemental determination of 16 REEs and 24 TEs was performed with ICP-MS. The levels of REEs, TEs, and stable isotopes (δ15N, δ13C, and δ34S) were measured to assess the factors that condition the avian exposure to environmental contaminants. The results showed an increase of the levels of REEs and TEs from the calamus to the feather's tip. In the whole feather, the highest levels corresponded to Ce, which exhibited more than two order of magnitude than Lu and Tm levels. Similar to other penguin species, magellanic penguins can be vectors of REEs and metals in remote regions. Stable isotopes revealed that trophic ecology may influence some of the element concentrations in feathers of magellanic penguins, an issue that requires deeper attention.

Phthalate diester occurrence in marine feed and food (Mediterranean Sea).

Organic contaminants such as diesters of phthalic acid (PAEs) can be conveyed by microplastics in aquatic environment and constitute a relevant risk to marine organisms and humans that consume them. A method was developed for the identification and quantitative detection of 6 dimethyl phthalate (DMP), di-ethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DNBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), di-2-ethylesyl phthalate (DHEP), and di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP). PAEs were then quantified in mesozooplankton, mollusk bivalves, and fish from the north-western Mediterranean Sea. Among all PAEs, DEHP was found in all zooplankton samples, in 30% of fish samples, and in 10% of bivalve samples. DBP was instead recovered in only 4% of samples (plankton and fish).

Trace and rare earth element bioaccumulation in the spotted dogfish (Scyliorhinus stellaris).

Metals (trace elements and rare earth elements, REEs) were analysed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry in blood, the liver, the kidney and muscle of ex situ spotted dogfish (Scyliorhinus stellaris). The controlled environment in which these elasmobranchs were hosted allowed to assess a baseline level of metals in the different organs since exposure via water and food can be easily monitored. The highest arsenic, chromium, copper, and iron values were found in the liver, cobalt in the kidney, and cadmium and rubidium in muscle. The highest total trace elements content was found in the trend liver (75 mg kg-1) > blood (33 mg kg-1) > muscle (31 mg kg-1) > kidney (10 mg kg-1), while the ΣREEs was the liver (30 µg kg-1) > muscle (15 µg kg-1) > kidney (13 µg kg-1) > blood (4.1 µg kg-1). Between REEs, the most represented element was scandium. Significant differences in the concentration of metals among organs were observed for almost all elements. Nonessential elements were generally lower and essential elements higher in the examined specimens compared to wild elasmobranchs, suggesting a close relationship between a balanced diet and animal welfare.

Processed animal proteins (PAPs) in animal nutrition: Assessment of the chemical risk of essential and non-essential elements.

BACKGROUND: Processed animal products (PAPs) could be a great alternative to common protein supplements and represent a good example of recycling and valorization of by-products. Due to the reintroduction of certain types of PAPs in feed, a deeper knowledge of these heterogeneous matrices is needed. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the levels of essential elements and inorganic contaminants in 55 PAPs considered as potential alternatives to common protein supplements. METHODS: PAPs samples were analysed for essential (cobalt, nickel, chromium, copper, zinc, iron and manganese) and non-essential elements (arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury) by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS), Graphite Furnace Atomization Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (GF-AAS) and dual cell Direct Mercury Analyzer spectrometer (DMA-80). RESULTS: Essential elements were found with the following decreasing order iron>zinc>copper>manganese>chromium>nickel>cobalt (mg kg-1). Only one sample was found non-compliant to lead concentration according to the European Union Regulation while negligible values of others non-essential elements were found. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that PAPs could be a useful supplement for animal diet due to their natural content of essential elements. A careful monitoring of chemical elements should be required and eventually guidelines have to be drafted for a correct use of PAPs to ensure a safe and sustainable feed production.

Wildlife hair as bioindicators of metal exposure.

Animal hair is a useful biomonitoring tool for assessing the occurrence of trace elements in ecosystems. Essential (chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, and zinc) and nonessential (aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, palladium, platinum, rubidium, tin, and vanadium) elements were investigated in hair of badger (Meles meles), wild boar (Sus scrofa), marmot (Marmota marmota), wolf (Canis lupus), fox (Vulpes vulpes) and deer (Cervus elaphus) from Northwestern Italy. Badger was found to be the highest bioaccumulator of metals, while wolf, fox and deer recorded the lowest values. Essential elements contribute in higher degree to the sum of metals for all species except for wild boar. Results have shown that animals with omnivorous diet such as badger, marmot and wild boar have metal content (especially Al, As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, V) higher than carnivores (wolf and fox) and herbivores (deer) and could represent an effective sentinel of environmental exposure to metals.

Microplastics as vectors of metals contamination in Mediterranean Sea.

Microplastics are contaminants of great concern all over the world. Microplastics constitute pollutants themselves; moreover, other contaminants such as metals are easily absorbed on their plastic surface, becoming bioavailable to marine biota such as zooplankton.We collected marine zooplankton from Mediterranean Sea to investigate trace elements associated with microplastics. Samples were subjected to visual sorting by a stereomicroscope, collected with sterile tweezers, pooled and subjected to sonication, filtration, and drying before being subjected to acid extraction. An ICP-MS was utilized for multi-elemental determination.Aluminum, iron, chromium, zinc, nickel, molybdenum, manganese, lead cobalt, and copper were found at concentrations of mg/kg while arsenic, vanadium, rubidium, and cadmium at level of µg kg-1. Other elements such as silver, beryllium, bismuth, selenium, tin, and thallium were under the limit of quantitation. Lower levels of iron and manganese in samples from Italy were found in comparison to England and Brazil, while aluminum, copper, and zinc registered comparable values. The presence of metals in marine waters is strictly related to sediment lithology and anthropogenic inputs, but plastic plays a key role as vectors for metal ions in the marine system, being able to concentrate metals several order of magnitude higher than in surrounding waters and exerting potential toxicity for living beings after chronic exposure.