Plastic levels in sediments closed to Cecina river estuary (Tuscany, Italy).

Abstract This study focuses on plastic distribution levels (shape, size, colour, type) in sediments from the coastal area of Cecina (Tuscany, Italy). Samples are collected in three sampling stations along six transect settled randomly along the shoreline and along the final tract of the Cecina river. Recorded plastic size ranges within 62.51–13,462 μm (average values 1591 ± 837 μm). Microplastics (<5000 μm) represent over than 97% of the total even if mesoplastics (5000–25,000 μm) are also recorded (2%). Over than 60% of recorded plastic items are higher than 500 μm. Measured levels range within 72 (ST2)–191 (ST4) items/kg d.w. Fragment > Fiber > Granule in each of the tested sampling site. Plastic litter levels recorded in study evidence low pollution compared to the existing literature supporting the occurrence of good environmental levels in Cecina coastline for the "Marine litter" descriptor. Highlights • Plastic litter in sediments from Cecina estuary and coastline were recorded. • Microplastics represent over than 97% while mesoplastics are about 2% of the total. • Measured levels range within 72–191 items/kg d.w. and fragments dominate. • Cecina sediments resulted lowly polluted by plastic litter compared to existing literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]