Plastic pollution in Mediterranean at alarming level, expert raises concerns

Experts are warning that the level of pollution in the Mediterranean has reached alarming proportions, with an average of 229,465 tons of plastic waste added annually.

Egypt contributes the largest amount, with 74,031 tons of plastic annually, of which 55,000 tons come from the Nile River. Italy, Türkiye, Algeria, and Albania are other large-scale polluters in the region.

According to experts, the widespread use of single-use products, representing 80 % of sea plastics, the waste generated by coastal tourism activities, and countries with coastlines on the Mediterranean lacking proper waste management infrastructure are the main causes of pollution at the Mediterranean.