Microplastics on Cyprus beaches have been documented for years, the AKTI Project and Research Centre said, pushing back on media reports of a “new detection” and calls for emergency meetings on the issue.
AKTI said it has conducted systematic scientific research into microplastic presence on Cyprus beaches since 2022, carrying out continuous sediment sampling at ten coastal sites alongside laboratory and microscopic analysis.
Four years of monitoring data show microplastics have been detected at every beach studied, regardless of geographic orientation, the centre said. Fragments, fibres, films, pellets, and foam plastics — both coloured and transparent — were among the types recorded.
At the most heavily affected site, concentrations averaged up to 6,000 microplastic particles per square metre, AKTI said.
The research also recorded clear seasonal peaks in December and March, which the centre attributed to the influence of sea currents and weather conditions on microplastic transport.
AKTI said the Mediterranean ranks among the most vulnerable seas in the world to plastic pollution and stressed that addressing the problem cannot be limited to isolated interventions when pollution becomes visible. Continuous monitoring, scientific documentation, meaningful prevention, reduced primary plastic production, and packaging reform at the policy level are all required, the centre said.
A peer-reviewed study published separately in the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering reached a similar conclusion, finding that the sea — rather than rivers or coastal runoff — is the primary source of microplastic pollution on Cyprus beaches.
That study sampled 16 sites across approximately 500 km of coastline in spring and autumn 2022. Around 69% of shorelines were found susceptible to sea-based debris, while only 6% were linked to land-based inputs. A quarter of shorelines were heavily affected by marine-derived plastic pollutants.
“Our results indicate that fragmented plastics found onshore primarily originate from the marine environment, rather than from rivers or coastal runoff,” said lead author Dr. Ioannis Savva, adding that management strategies should be adapted accordingly. The research was conducted with co-author Dror L. Angel through a collaboration between the University of Haifa and the Oceanography Centre, University of Cyprus.
Microplastic densities averaged 336 particles per square metre, with individual samples peaking at 4,020 particles per square metre. Mesoplastic densities averaged 107.5 particles per square metre.
Low-density polymers including polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene were most frequently detected, consistent with their tendency to float at the sea surface and be carried by ocean currents.
A follow-up study currently in preparation has recorded even higher concentrations, reaching up to 20,600 particles per square metre.
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