Dataset belonging to "A Comprehensive Methodology for Estimating Yearly Plastic Pollution Loads in Rivers"

By integrating statistical analysis, the method accounts for variability in plastic concentrations and discharge rates. Subsequently, this methodology was applied to the Rhine and Meuse rivers in the Netherlands.

The findings of this study indicate a spatial variability in plastic concentrations. The mean annual load of macro- and mesoplastics (items > 0.5 cm) in the Rhine was highest at Lobith, located at the Germany–Netherlands border (331 million items/year), decreasing downstream to 206 million items/year at Tiel. Similarly, in the Meuse, higher loads were observed at Eijsden, at the Belgium–Netherlands border (73 million items/year), than further downstream at Sambeek (62 million items/year), while particles in the 5–6 mm size range are likely underrepresented due to the 6 mm mesh size of the sampling net.