Application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) Techniques for Monitoring and Analyzing Marine Pollution along the Libyan Coast: A Case Study of the Misurata Coastal Area

Abstract

This study aims to apply Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) technologies to monitor and analyze marine pollution along the Libyan coastline, taking the Misurata coastal area as a practical case study due to its significant industrial activity. Satellite imagery from Sentinel-2 (2020–2024) was analyzed using the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and Oil Index, combined with field measurements and environmental reports from the Libyan Iron and Steel Company. Results revealed a 14.6% increase in marine pollution indicators near ports and industrial zones during the study period. Pollution hotspots were concentrated in Misurata, Ras Lanuf, and Brega, while the spatial analysis showed that sea currents transport contaminants up to 4 km offshore. Comprehensive GIS-based maps were produced to display the spatial distribution of pollution and classify risk zones into low, moderate, and high categories. The study recommends establishing a National Coastal Environmental Monitoring System in Libya that integrates GIS and RS for continuous data updating and effective environmental decision support.