Natural sorting of sediments in the wave run-up zone works for microplastics as well

The distribution of plastic pollution in the marine environment is highly variable in time and space, making it difficult to assess pollution levels. This study shows that mixing and natural sorting of material in the wave run-up zone of a sandy beach results in a relatively stable abundance of microplastics in the size range 0.5-2 mm (S-MPs). Based on 175 samples collected over 14 months during 42 monitoring surveys at 6 stations along the shore of the Vistula Spit (Baltic Sea), the mean abundance of S-MPs was found to be 64 ± 36 items/kg DW (98.6 % fibers), with a coefficient of variation of only 56 % over more than one year. Statistical tests confirmed its independence from current wind speed, significant wave height, mean sediment grain size, sediment sorting, percentage of certain sand fractions, month, season, or location along the shore. It can therefore be used as a suitable indicator for long-term monitoring of increasing plastic pollution in the marine environment.