An investigation of large micro plastics (LMPs) on sandy Maltese beaches

Abstract

Plastic production is at its peak in this modern world and it is definitely bound to rise while time passes by. Its flexible nature allows technology to harness it to do every role imaginable. However a significant amount of that plastic ends up in the sea where interactions within the marine environment start and is on the increase annually. The fate of these plastics differs according to many factors such as wind direction and wave direction. Primary microplastics are small perfectly shaped plastics which are intentionally made for several uses such as construction or cosmetic products. These materials degrade through physical, biological, and chemical interactions. Such degradation results in the size of the plastics to get smaller and is referred to as secondary microplastics. The sizes of these microplastics are posing a threat to the environment and in turn will harm humans. These microplastics come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colours and types which is why this research is needed. The main aim of this work is to investigate and quantify the amount of microplastics found in beaches around Malta. Extraction is carried out in two phases. Initially, sand is sieved on-site. The sample is then refined in the lab. This involves the use of a chemical agent that will not contaminate or affect the plastic in any way. A gridline sorting and cataloguing method is then adopted. Finally after sorting the samples are all parameterised according to total amount, size, shape, colour and type. The significance of these parameters is to provide an insight on plastics which are deposited on the Maltese Islands’ beaches. This insight will then aid in providing methods to reduce plastic deposition resulting in a cleaner environment.