Occurrence and characterization of microplastic and mesoplastic pollution in the Migliarino San Rossore, Massaciuccoli Nature Park (Italy)

Highlights: • Evidences of micro- and mesoplastics pollution were found in the Nature Park. • Average concentrations of 207 ± 30 microplastics/kg d.w. were detected in the sand. • Average concentrations of 100 ± 44 mesoplastics/kg d.w. were detected in the sand. • FTIR Imaging showed the prevalence of cellulose, polyamides and polyethylene polymers. Microplastics pollution is progressively threatening natural parks across the world. In the framework of monitoring this concerning trend, the present study focuses on the occurrence and identification of mesoplastics (MEPs) and microplastics (MPs) in sand samples collected before and after the summer season from the beach of the Nature Park of Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli (Pisa, Italy). Meso- and microplastics were identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy 2D Imaging, and detected in all samples with average concentrations of 207 ± 30 MPs/kg d.w., and 100 ± 44 MEPs/kg d.w., respectively. Seasonal changes of flow of the Arno River, industrial activities, and urban footprint were considered as the major sources of plastic pollution. Our results showed the occurrence of both natural and synthetic polymers including cellulose, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamides, polyethylene terephthalate, and acrylonitrile.