Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/39567
Title: Investigation and automatic parameterisation of large microplastic particle concentration on selected Maltese beaches
Authors: Montebello, John
Keywords: Beaches -- Malta
Microplastics -- Malta
Polymers
Polymers -- Deterioration -- Malta
Issue Date: 2018
Citation: Montebello, J. (2018). Investigation and automatic parameterisation of large microplastic particle concentration on selected Maltese beaches (Bachelor's dissertation).
Abstract: This study investigates the concentrations of microplastics on Maltese sandy beaches, specifically on Golden Bay, Riviera Bay, Għadira Bay, and Pretty Bay. Included in the study is a novel image processing technique which has been developed in order to automatically parameterizes microplastics and in doing so producing results which are more accurate, and in a shorter time. The main purpose of this study was to better understand the increasing effects of microplastics on the marine environment, specifically the effect of microplastics on the Maltese Islands. Through reviewed literature, it was expected that the Maltese beaches would be a hot-spot for microplastics, making it a good research area. The results showed that the number of microplastics on Maltese beaches reaches figures which are alarming, concluding that the Maltese beaches are the ideal study areas for this project. Data obtained from the automatic parameterization give rise to the conclusion that the vast majority of microplastics found on the beaches are primary microplastics in the form of preproduction pellets which have found their way to the marine environment. The dominant north western wind direction has littered the beaches in the north west of the island with greater amounts of plastic than on other beaches, proving that these plastics are transported by wind and wave currents. The number of samples taken over a number of different months, confirmed that human activity on the beaches during the busy summer months did not add any more microplastics, but it was in the winter months that the microplastics increased.
Description: B.SC.(HONS)EARTH SYSTEMS
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/39567
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - InsES - 2018

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