MEPA Coastal Water Survey - Pollutants in Water Column 2012/13

The survey was conducted at 12 stations in the coastal waters of the Maltese Islands over a period of one year between May 2012 and July 2013. Sea water samples were collected at a depth of 5 metres using a Niskin bottle. These were transported to the laboratory in appropriate containers, where they were analysed for the level of pollutants using International Organization for Standardization and US Environmental Protection Agency standard procedures. The pollutants tested for are Priority substances and are divided into oils and miscellaneous. All stations were tested for oils, while only 9 stations were tested for miscellaneous pollutants. The measurements were made in connection with a monitoring survey of Maltese coastal waters. The resultant datasets generated provide the benchmark for long term monitoring programs and assessments that are required in order to implement EU Directives on water resources.