https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/143906 2026-07-17T21:34:29Z 2026-07-17T21:34:29Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148072 2026-07-15T08:53:09Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Assessing the fungal contamination of paper artefacts in museum reserve storage Abstract: Fungal communities pose a significant threat to paper artefacts of cultural and historical importance, often proliferating under favourable environmental and nutritional conditions, such as within museum paper repositories. Their development is influenced by both macro- and microclimatic factors, as well as storage methods. The role of preventive conservation has gained recognition in reducing fungal-induced biodeterioration, with monitoring and the subsequent implementation of site-specific measures often being advantageous. This study assessed variations in fungal counts and taxa within the reserve collection of a Maltese museum, particularly within its plan chests. It also considered its transitional areas, which included a drying room used to isolate mould-infested paper artefacts. This was achieved using adhesive-coated spore traps and by combining passive-gravimetric, active-volumetric, and surface sampling methods, alongside thermohygrometric monitoring and self reporting of plan chest use. The results revealed that the thermohygrometric conditions remained near established environmental set-points, except within the drying room, potentially facilitating the continued viability of mould-infested artefacts. Airborne Aspergillus/Penicillium spp. was prevalent, this was followed by Chaetomium spp., Alternaria spp., and Cladosporium spp. among the fungi identified. The highest fungal counts were reported within the plan chests, yet elevated counts remained transient. Statistical analyses additionally found a negative association between Aspergillus/Penicillium spp. and actual humidity within the plan chests. Nonetheless, unaccounted nonroutine activities may have affected such findings. Based on the results, sitespecific recommendations were provided, namely lowering the reserve’s temperature and the drying room’s relative humidity, alongside the development of standard operating procedures for mould detection on paper. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.)

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148071 2026-07-15T08:49:59Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Barriers and enablers to eco-certification in Malta’s SME hotel sector Abstract: The steep increase in tourism experienced in the Maltese islands in recent years has been accompanied by a number of environmental pressures and consequences, therefore emphasising the important position that the hospitality industry plays in safeguarding the environment. Eco-certification was introduced as a way to structurally guide hotel managers into making their facility as sustainable as possible, offering both environmental and financial benefits. However, the implementation of this certification amongst small and medium sized hotels in Malta is not so common. This study aims to assess the awareness, and the perceived value and impact of eco-certification from the perspective of hotel managers in Malta, as well as to recommend any suggestions to improve the certification’s uptake. Following a series of semi-structured interviews with hotel managers and other relevant representatives, various barriers were identified, namely: fragmented information, perceived ineffectiveness, resistance to change, operational and administrative burden and financial constraints, all of which hinder to various degrees, the uptake of eco-certification amongst SME hotels in Malta. Furthermore, a number of enabling factors also emerged from the interviews, including : simplified procedures, financial incentives, perceived profitability and market appeal, and perceived benefits. Following the analysis of these main themes using NVivo® software, the following suggestions aiming to increase the uptake of eco-certification amongst SME hotels emerged: policy based approaches, such as setting certain environmental standards or requirements for SME hotels, improved guidance in order to increase knowledge and awareness on the topic, and support structures & SME tailored schemes in order to provide financial aid to the smaller hotels who are currently unable to pursue the certification due to monetary constraints. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.)

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148070 2026-07-15T08:45:31Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Monitoring nutrient dynamics in runoff following rainfall events in an agricultural catchment Abstract: The Maltese Islands are critically vulnerable to freshwater nutrient contamination from agricultural runoff. High nutrient concentrations in surface runoff can adversely affect the environment, groundwater quality, agricultural yields and human health. Since the entirety of Malta is designated as a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone with limited natural freshwater sources, monitoring and managing surface water and soil quality is critical to prevent the deterioration of existing freshwater resources. This study assesses the temporal and spatial variation in surface water nutrient concentrations within one of Malta’s key agricultural catchments; Wied il-Għasel. Runoff water samples were collected during Malta’s early wet season, between September and February. The nutrient concentration of runoff was measured in the laboratory using photometric determination, while other water quality parameters - including pH, electrical conductivity and temperature - were measured in-situ. Soil samples from four agricultural plots near the runoff monitoring stations were also analysed to determine how land cover and local contamination sources contribute to runoff nutrient levels. The findings indicate severe nitrate contamination within the catchment’s surface waters, with concentrations reaching as high as 331 mg/L NO3 - . This is primarily driven by excessive fertiliser application on the surrounding fields, which is reflected in the high nitrate levels of the sampled agricultural soils. Nutrient concentrations shifted between upstream and downstream locations, varying based on land cover contributions and rainfall-runoff events. Ultimately, this study highlights the need for ongoing freshwater monitoring and stricter regulation of agricultural practices to minimise the contamination of Malta’s vulnerable freshwater resources. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.)

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148069 2026-07-15T08:40:58Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Mapping butterfly distribution in habitat hotspots on the Island of Gozo (Rhopalocera – Lepidoptera) Abstract: Butterflies are widely recognised for their significance as bioindicators. However, their spatial distribution remains poorly documented across small Mediterranean islands. This study maps butterfly distribution across the island of Gozo, assesses habitat and biotope characteristics in terms of species occurrence, and explores the existence of connectivity between habitat patches. Walkover field surveys are conducted across 44 days of fieldwork, between July 2025 and April 2026, focusing on 11 pre-selected sites of ecological significance. A total of 399 individuals across 13 species are recorded and their spatial distribution is analysed through GIS. Species richness is highest in mosaics of garrigue, steppe and agricultural land, particularly at Dwejra, Ramla Bay, and the Qala sites (Taċ-Ċawl and Wileġ). Grassland specialist species including Coenonympha pamphilus and Maniola jurtina hyperhispulla, both of which face significant declines, are recorded exclusively from the Qala sites. Seasonal distribution analysis reveals peak activity in autumn and spring, demonstrating seasonal patterns with influxes of migratory species including Vanessa cardui and Colias croceus during biannual passage between North Africa and Europe, with the Maltese islands acting as a crucial mid-sea migratory corridor stepping stone. While some sampling limitations are noted, the study provides an important baseline for spatial information on butterfly distribution on Gozo. Increasing pressure from land-use change and overdevelopment risk fragmenting vital habitat refugia, especially for specialist and migratory species (latter group is crucial in augmenting resident populations), highlighting the urgent need for long-term butterfly monitoring to inform conservation planning. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.)

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z