Spatiotemporal dynamics of microplastics, mesoplastics and macrolitter in Cypriot shores: An integrated size assessment to discern transport pathways
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Microplastics and mesoplastics have become integral components of marine debris and the broader global plastic pollution crisis. Their increasing prevalence and environmental hazards have driven worldwide monitoring efforts, often alongside beach macrolitter surveys, to establish source linkages critical for informed policy and management. Employing standardized sampling protocols, this study establishes baseline spatiotemporal dynamics of microplastics (1-5 mm) and mesoplastics (5-25 mm) in the Republic of Cyprus, characterises their typologies and identifies key contamination drivers. It further introduces a newly improved attribution scheme to evaluate shoreline vulnerability to debris loads arising from distinct transport pathways. Mean abundances recorded were 336 particles m⁻² (0.819 g m⁻²) for microplastics, 107.5 particles m⁻² (1.086 g m⁻²) for mesoplastics, and 0.459 items m⁻² for beach macrolitter. Particle loads exhibited heterogeneous physical profiles and fine-scale spatial variability, influenced by hydrodynamic exposure and temporal factors, with particle retention likely governed by coastal morphology. Approximately 69% of shorelines were susceptible to sea-based debris, 6% to land-based inputs, and 25% being heavily impacted by marine-derived plastic pollutants. These findings underscore the magnitude of marine debris contamination in the eastern Mediterranean and emphasise the necessity of an integrated, multi-faceted monitoring approach that enables local authorities to allocate resources strategically, tailored to dominant transport pathways, for effective plastic pollution management and mitigation.
Authors: Ioannis Savva, Dror L. Angel
Institutions: University of Cyprus, University of Haifa
Language: English
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,350
Funder: University of Haifa
OpenAlex ID: W7154471822