https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/126299 2026-04-14T06:54:40Z 2026-04-14T06:54:40Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/138876 2025-09-10T09:05:20Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Monitoring olea europaea l. pollen in Malta Abstract: The aim of this aerobiological study was to monitor airborne Olea europaea L. (olive tree) pollen in Malta, and investigate its correlation with meteorological factors, and implications for public health, particularly in relation to pollen-induced allergies. Using a Burkard 7-day recording volumetric spore trap, the atmosphere at the University of Malta’s Msida campus was monitored from March to June, 2024. The Main Pollen Season (MPS) of this species was identified from March 29 to May 26, lasting 59 days. The highest pollen concentrations were recorded in April, with the highest peak reaching 48.6 grains/m3. This study addressed a significant gap in local aerobiological research by creating an olive pollen calendar for Spring 2024. The temporal period of the pollen season was found to compare well with lower latitude categories of the Mediterranean. Statistical analyses using Spearman’s correlation showed that accumulated temperature, mean temperature, wind speed and wind direction are the parameters most closely correlated with variations in daily pollen counts. The division of the pollen season into pre- and post-peak phases provided stronger correlations between pollen concentrations and weather parameters and enabled a better understanding of the pollen season. Through linear regressions performed by using daily pollen concentrations or five-day mean pollen concentrations as a dependent variable and the daily values of meteorological parameters as independent variables, the most accurate predictive model obtained was for the five-day running mean pollen concentrations during the pre-peak period using cumulative temperature (y = -38.51 + 0.032Tcum). The study also highlights the health risks associated with Olea europaea pollen, which is highly allergenic and can cause pollinosis in sensitive individuals. The pollen levels of this species were relatively low at the UM campus compared to thresholds known to trigger severe allergic reactions. The findings emphasise the importance of ongoing aerobiological monitoring in Malta, especially given the increasing cultivation of olive trees. Continued research and data collection are required for refining predictive models that can assist in public health planning and agricultural management. This study lays the groundwork for future aerobiological studies in Malta, with promising applications in early-season crop yield estimates and allergy forecasting. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/129802 2024-12-10T16:31:02Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The effect of Cu, Zn and Pb contamination on microbial activity in soils of Malta Abstract: Soil microbial activities are significantly influenced by external variables including pollutants like heavy metals, that can turn from beneficial microelements to toxic and persistent polluters when excessive quantities are available. This in turn can have negative or adverse effects on the activity of soil microorganisms. The aim of this work was to study the effect of increasing concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Pb on microbial activity, and growth in calcareous soils. Soil samples were treated with increasing concentrations of Cu, Zn and Pb and subjected to short term and long-term incubations. Following the short- and long-term incubations the soil’s urease, arginase, and dehydrogenase activities together with the respiration rate were determined. Following the long-term incubation microbial growth was also investigated. From the overall findings, Cu exerted the most negative effects on both enzymatic activity and respiration rates, with continuously persisting effects on activity and respiration occurring the longer it remained in the soil matrix. To an extent Zn also exerted some negative effects on the soil, however these effects were more dependent on the type of enzyme being observed as well as the level of concentration incorporated. Indeed, enzymatic activity and microbial respiration were unresponsive to Pb, following prolonged exposure to this metal contaminant. However, under the short-term incubation, Pb did exert a negative effect on urease activity and to a lesser extent arginase, when higher concentrations were applied. In, terms of microbial plate growth, all treatments displayed no negative correlations and/or limitations of growth, regardless of concentration or the nature of the metal. In fact, in the case of Zn contamination an increase in microbial growth was noted with an increase in concentration. These findings might imply that microorganisms do in fact, have the ability to adapt to the altered soil conditions or indeed in some instances flourish. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/128809 2024-11-15T12:56:13Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Classification of food waste in a limited set of Maltese households Abstract: This study investigates the classification and quantification of food waste within Maltese households to understand its composition, seasonal variation, and the factors influencing its generation. The research adopts a mixed method approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Quantitative data was collected by directly measuring food waste in 30 participating households across five districts in Malta over four seasons. The food waste was categorised into avoidable, potentially avoidable, and unavoidable waste. The data was analysed using permutational ANOVA to identify significant differences in food waste generation rates across districts and seasons. Qualitative data was gathered through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to explore household behaviours and attitudes towards food waste. The study found significant district-based variations in avoidable food waste generation, with the Northern Harbour District exhibiting lower rates due to specific waste-reducing practices like composting and feeding leftovers to animals. Seasonal variations indicated higher food waste in autumn and lower rates in winter. The thematic analysis of the interviews revealed key drivers of food waste, such as inadequate meal planning, improper food storage, and a lack of awareness about food waste reduction strategies. Participants expressed emotional responses like guilt and frustration when discarding food, highlighting the moral and ethical dimensions of food waste. Meanwhile, the focus group highlighted practical challenges in incorporating potentially avoidable food items into daily meals, despite recognising their value in reducing waste. Based on these findings, the study recommends comprehensive education and awareness programmes to enhance consumer knowledge on food waste management. Promoting practical tools such as meal planning applications and community-based foodsharing initiatives can further mitigate food waste. Future research should expand the sample size and explore long-term changes in food waste behaviours to inform more effective policy interventions. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.)

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/128806 2024-11-15T12:53:00Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The extinction of experience : exploring nature contact and connectedness amongst university staff and students Abstract: The theory of Extinction of Experience (EoE), first introduced by Pyle in 1978, suggests a decreasing trend in human-nature interactions over time. This study investigates nature contact, nature connectedness, and proenvironmental behaviours among students and staff at the University of Malta, with the aim of exploring generational differences, providing an empirical foundation for evaluating the EoE hypothesis. A survey was distributed to a combined population of 376 respondents, measuring various aspects of nature contact (intentional, incidental, indirect), nature connectedness using the Nature Relatedness Scale (NR-21), and pro-environmental behaviours. Results indicate significant age-related differences in nature connectedness and pro-environmental behaviours but with no clear pattern across generations. Nature contact showed no significant differences across age groups, although indirect contact was most common for all. The quality of natural areas visited was consistently rated poorly, potentially affecting motivation for intentional contact. Overall, younger generations exhibited lower nature connectedness and fewer pro-environmental behaviours. The findings provide partial but inconclusive support for the EoE hypothesis. The study highlights the importance of quality nature contact and early childhood experiences in promoting long-term environmental stewardship. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.)

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z