Quantitative Analysis of Plastic Pollution on the Coast of the Gaza Strip, Palestine

Abstract

Marine plastic pollution is a global problem, which adversely affects ecosystems and economies worldwide. Studies based on a standardized approach to examine the quantity of plastic debris are lacking at many locations, including Palestine. In the present study, 15 transects of shoreline were established in the north and south on the Coast of the Gaza Strip, following the standardized approach developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commission. On average, 7.427 Kg/km3 were collected from marine surface samples along the coast. All samples were collected using a manta trawl locally manufactured based on the specifications described in NOAA 2014 and (Brown and Cheng 1981). Surface samples North of Gaza Strip contributed more than three quarters to the overall debris plastic weights, Gaza represents in this study is the biggest polluted (19.16Kg/km3), Second place is North Gaza (14.74 Kg/km3), There was a clear reduction in other areas where the results (in descending order) Rafah (2.53kg\km3) ,Deir al-Balah (0.387 Kg/km3) and Khan Younis (0.304 Kg/km3). The average result of Meso sizes of marine debris shown that two type of them: Bags (film) fragment as largest group ( 90%) and plastic cups the second (10%). While in micro sizes was found three type, Bags (film) fragment recorded high result (48%) and Small Net pieces and Fishing line smallest quantitative (17%). Results showed that, the average density of shoreline plastic debris on Gaza Strip is 78.764 g\m3 of beach. Deir al-Balah represents in this study is the least polluted shorelines (41.66g\m3).The average quantitative found rafah (116.17g\m3) is lower compared to the North Gaza (123.13g\m3) but higher than in Khan Younis (48.57g\m3), while Gaza result record (68.25g\m3) as near Overall average density. Total average density of plastic debris (micro sizes) on the Coast of the Gaza Strip is 291.18 g/km3 of surface. Comparison to other regions, this density is much lower than that found in comparable studies. Indicator items were used to trace industrial origins of debris, identifying the tourism as the main contributor to the pollution. Labels and types of fishing gear found, indicated that the major proportion of marine debris was coming from fishing industries. Management recommendations are based on the analysis of effective management practices in other countries and the circumstances in Palestine. As a result, enforcement of the use of biodegradable gear is seen as the best long-term solution. Additional measures like gear marking and deposit systems, reception facilities, education and beach cleanups are recommended.