Regional variations in plastic waste pollution in the Mediterranean marine environment The Libyan coast as a case study

Abstract

The Mediterranean Sea is one of the world's hotspots for plastic pollution. Libya, like other Mediterranean countries, faces pollution problems, particularly plastic pollution, which has impacted marine biodiversity. Single-use plastic products are among the most polluting types of marine environments. Poor waste management and collection practices are prevalent in Mediterranean countries in general, and in Libya in particular. This study focuses on plastic pollution in the Mediterranean Sea and along the Libyan coast. It identifies the types of plastic and the quantities of plastic pollutants flowing into the Mediterranean and the Libyan coast, as well as the amount of plastic accumulating in the seabed. Egypt, Italy, and Turkey are the top three contributors to the total plastic intrusion into the Mediterranean. This has had a negative impact on various marine organisms.