Joint Innovative Monitoring to Reduce Nonpoint Source Pollutants and Litter in The Black Sea

Abstract

One of the regional seas with the worst degradation is the Black Sea. While efforts have been undertaken to enhance the Black Sea's environment, the inland pollutants and litter—more significantly, those from the rivers and streams that empty into the sea—have received less attention. Streams and rivers are significant sources of sediment and litter. The study's main goal was to determine the main contributors of litter and silt as well as their sources. Such a database would help water managers suggest the optimal nature-based solution to mitigate pollution sustainably. The study has five pilot areas in Greece, Romania, Armenia, Moldova, and Turkey. This allowed us to investigate different riverine ecosystems around the Black Sea and the implementation of other nature-based solutions. Surface and stream bank erosion methods are applied at different scales (plot and watershed) to estimate their contributions to the Black Sea. In addition, traditional (runoff plots erosion pins) and innovative methods (laser scanning, uncrewed aerial vehicles) are utilized. In addition, microplastics in river remains and water samples were investigated. The results allowed us to target areas with the highest erosion or litter and the optimal nature-based solutions based on the specific characteristics of these areas to be implemented.