Scholarly record

ASSESSMENT OF MACROPLASTIC TRANSPORT IN THE ISHEM RIVER: DYNAMICS, COMPOSITION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Laura Gjyli

Abstract

This study investigates macroplastic pollution in the Ishem River, cited as one of the most polluted fluvial systems in Europe. The Ishem mouth is inside the marine protected areas (MPAs) Patok-Fushekuqe-Ishem and an important bird area (IBA). Also located near the Ishem Mouth is Cape Rodon, a nature reserve within the protected landscape/seascape area. Conducted within the framework of a joint scientific research agreement between Albania and Austria, this research aims to quantify macroplastic transport and evaluate its environmental impact on the region’s biodiversity and ecosystem health. The experimental methodology employed a dual-approach monitoring strategy at three strategic locations: Kamza Bridge (Tirana River before its confluence with the Lana stream), Laknas Bridge (downstream of the confluence with the Lana stream), and Sulmere Bridge (near the river"s mouth). To ensure data reliability, measurements were repeated five times at each station, accounting for spatial distribution and seasonal fluctuations. Two primary techniques were utilized: net sampling (5 mm mesh) to assess sub-surface transport within the water column (Liedermann et al., 2018) and visual counting to evaluate surface-level debris (Mellink et al., 2023). Results indicate a severe dominance of "film" plastics, primarily thin, flexible polyethylene bags and food packaging, which constitute 84.5% of the macroplastics found in the water column. Surface analysis further identified packaging (PE) and soft plastic bags (PO soft) as the most prevalent categories across all stations, followed by polystyrene (PS) and PET bottles. The data demonstrate that plastic concentration is highly sensitive to hydrological conditions, with rainfall and river discharge acting as the primary drivers of debris mobilization. These findings underscore an urgent need for integrated waste management strategies and immediate cleaning interventions to mitigate the ecological risks facing the Ishem basin. To raise awareness, several cleanups have been undertaken with the younger generation, as well as the recycling of household plastic waste, and measurements of the level of pollution have been made on the banks of the river and the estuary.

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