A snapshot of microplastics in the coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea.

Abstract The Mediterranean Sea is affected by one of the most significant plastic pollution worldwide. This review critically evaluates the most recent literature on the presence of microplastics in sediments, suggested to be long term sinks and have a high potential to accumulate this kind of marine debris. A picture of microplastic levels in coastal environments is given, evidencing information gaps and considering also estuary, lagoons and areas influenced by the contribution of rivers. A wide range of contamination levels has been found, with the highest in lagoon and estuary environments. The lack of homogeneity in the methods of study and the need to harmonize the latter and the expression of the results in addition to the need to obtain data on the contributions of the main tributaries of the Mediterranean and on lagoons, are other important considerations taken. Highlights • Sediments are long term sinks with the potential to accumulate microplastics. • The literature analysis evidence shot spots, cleanest areas and information gaps. • Wide ranges of microplastic levels have been found, higher in lagoons and estuaries. • The need of a harmonization of methods and expression of results is emerged. • Lack of microplastic data on the tributaries of Mediterranean and on lagoons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]