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.

Keywords: Marine litter; Protected areas; River inputs; Sediments; Tuscany coast; Tyrrhenian Sea.