Scientific reports highlight significant microplastic pollution on Paphos beaches

Xenia Loizidou, coastal engineer and president of the AKTI Project and Research Centre, has reported high levels of microplastic pollution on beaches in Paphos, Cyprus. According to data collected by the organization since 2022, concentrations have reached up to 4,000 microplastic particles per square meter. While microplastic accumulation is typically a winter phenomenon, researchers observed these high levels during the summer, likely due to increased wave activity in the Eastern Mediterranean. AKTI has been monitoring ten beaches across free Cyprus four times annually using internal funding. Loizidou noted that while this issue has been documented in scientific forums for years, it has recently gained public attention due to its visibility during the peak tourist season. The report identifies primary pollution sources as maritime transport from illegal coastal dumps and river outflows in neighboring non-EU countries. Additionally, Loizidou urged local authorities to conduct mandatory inspections of rainwater drainage pipes to address domestic contributions to the pollution.