Department of Biology, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.
Mar Pollut Bull. 2021 May;166:112200. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112200. Epub 2021 Mar 5.
This study aims to determine the level of floating marine litter in coastal and inshore areas around Malta and Gozo (Central Mediterranean) and to investigate factors which influence litter distribution. Observations of macro-litter and mega-litter were conducted through seasonal boat surveys around Malta and Gozo during 2018-2019. Visual observations were conducted along line transects whilst maintaining a 6 m observation width. For coastal areas, of up to -1 km away from the shoreline, the total density of litter ranged between 27 and 2428 items/km, with a mean of 292 ± 85 items/km. Within inshore areas the density varied between 180 and 46,289 items/km, with a mean of 3242 ± 1880 items/km. The highest density was present in winter, this being 2.5 higher than the lowest density season. 91% of the litter was plastic. The manner in which anthropogenic factors and natural events influenced litter accumulations and distributions, are described.
本研究旨在确定马耳他和戈佐岛（地中海中部）沿海和近岸地区的漂浮海洋垃圾水平，并调查影响垃圾分布的因素。2018 年至 2019 年期间，通过在马耳他和戈佐岛周围进行季节性船只调查，对大垃圾和特大垃圾进行了观察。在沿海地区，观察范围在离海岸线 6 米宽的直线航线上进行。对于离海岸线不到 1 公里的沿海地区，垃圾的总密度在 27 到 2428 件/公里之间，平均值为 292 ± 85 件/公里。在内陆地区，密度在 180 到 46289 件/公里之间变化，平均值为 3242 ± 1880 件/公里。冬季的密度最高，比最低密度季节高 2.5 倍。91%的垃圾是塑料。还描述了人为因素和自然事件影响垃圾积累和分布的方式。
