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Inland and offshore sediments from Southern Italy were studied in order to evaluate the occurrence and nature of microplastics (MPs). Inland sediments were collected in the Bradano and Basento rivers (Apulo-Lucanian region, Southern Italy), while offshore sediments were collected on the continental shelf near Bari (Adriatic Sea) and Metaponto (Ionian Sea). MPs were detected and characterized using optical microscopy, micro-Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (μ-FTIR) and micro-Raman analyses. The number of MPs present varied between 144 and 1246 kg−1 of dry sediment (468.8 ± 410,7 MPs kg−1) with a predominance of black fibers; no correlation emerged between MPs and sediment grain size. In river sediments, the occurrence of MPs is associated with local pollution, whereas the offshore occurrence of MPs depends on seasonal river flow and submarine canyons. Compositional analyses suggest that the main source of MPs in the studied sediments is sewage discharge from residential areas. [Display omitted] • River sediments pollution is caused by urban and industrial areas. • Offshore areas with canyons and submarine drifts are most polluted by microplastics. • No relationship exists between particle size of sediment and microplastics. • The principal microplastic source is synthetic clothes residues from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]