Effective Management Policies Research Articles

Total quality management and sustainable policy making strategies in biochemical industries: A critical review of prior research

BACKGROUND: The history of Total Quality Management (TQM) presents a broad overview of the processes used to make things perfect in this imperfect world. The concept of TQM strategy in biochemical industries highlightsnumerous ways to use “quality” as a tool for improvement in the real work environment during the actual execution of work. A sustainable and effective quality management policy with specific missions and objectives mightlead to the achievement of a productive outcome in biochemical industry. OBJECTIVE: This study focused to examine the variation in understanding of TQM in the biochemical Industry and its correlation with other aspects of organizational improvement. To study the impact of TQM on a sustainability aspects of biochemical organizations by framing an appropriate synthetic model. METHODS: The strategic to setup a ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ TQM principles was used for effective TQM implementation. In addition, individually developed methods of TQM quality award models were implemented in a wide range of industries. RESULTS: This study reveals that, a significant number of biochemical industries recognize that sustainable business strategies and successful implementation of TQM practices lead to new opportunities and improves results in the economical and sustainable development. CONCLUSION: Appropriate policy-making strategies and TQM are critically important ingredient for organizational growth. The implementation of TQM in biochemical industries is important for the overall growth of the organization and employees.

Exploring the influence of regime shifts on ecosystem services in Iran’s Zayandeh-Rud river basin

ABSTRACT This research delves into the impact of human-induced regime shifts on ecosystem services in Iran’s Zayandeh-Rud River Basin, during the onset of the Anthropocene epoch marked by rapid changes attributed to human activities. Employing network analysis techniques, including in-degree and out-degree centrality, pivotal actors or drivers contributing to these shifts were identified. A total of 43 experts and researchers in humanities and environmental sciences completed questionnaires to assess the relationship network of regime shift drivers within the river basin, revealing the significant influence of governmental administration, water transfer projects, and water allocation. These factors were found to drive regime shifts, subsequently impacting environmental well-being. The study also thoroughly analyzed the ecosystem services and factors affecting human and environmental welfare affected by these shifts. Insights gained from this research offer crucial information for the development of effective management strategies and policies aimed at mitigating and adapting to regime shifts. By highlighting the key drivers and their impact on ecosystem services, the research provides actionable strategies for addressing regime shifts in the study area. Ultimately, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between human activities, regime shifts, and environmental well-being, essential for informed decision-making and sustainable management practices.

Pengaruh Pelatihan Dan Disiplin Kerja Terhadap Kinerja Pegawai Studi Kasus Pada Dinas Pariwisata Dan Kebudayaan Kabupaten Garut

This research aims to evaluate the influence of training and work discipline on employee performance at the Garut Regency Tourism and Culture Office. Quantitative methods with descriptive and associative approaches were used in this research. The population involved all Civil Servants as Executives in the Service, with a saturated sample of 35 people. Data was collected through a validated and reliable questionnaire, then analyzed using multiple correlation and F test in the SPSS 28 for Windows program. The research results show that training has a positive and significant effect on employee performance (t = 3.141, p < 0.05). Likewise, work discipline has a positive and significant influence on employee performance (t = 3.420, p < 0.05). Simultaneously, training and work discipline simultaneously have a positive and significant effect on employee performance (fcount = 32.620, p < 0.05). The conclusion of this research shows that investment in training and application of work discipline can positively improve employee performance at the Garut Regency Tourism and Culture Office. These findings provide a basis for developing more effective Human Resources management policies to support the achievement of optimal performance in the context of local government agencies..

Methodology for managing the transparency of enterprise development in condition of convergence of investment processes

Methods. In the process of improving the methodology of transparency management of the development of enterprises in the conditions of convergence of investment processes, methods of analysis and synthesis, empirical methods, methods of induction and deduction, graphic and logical methods were used. The methodological basis of the research is parametric and classification methods, the results of which allow improving the methodology of transparency management of the development of enterprises in the conditions of convergence of investment processes. Results. The article improves the methodology of managing the transparency of the development of enterprises in the conditions of convergence of investment processes, the main purpose of which is to create and implement the necessary management resources and competencies that determine the maximization of the level of development. The methodology is necessary to ensure the competitive stability of industrial enterprises, which, in turn, requires them to make strategic and effective management decisions in order to achieve the main goals of enterprises - maximizing production, sales, profit, resources, thereby ensuring an effective development and potential management policy. Novelty consists in improving the transparency management methodology of enterprise development in conditions of convergence of investment processes. Practical value. The development of a methodology for managing the transparency of the development of enterprises in the conditions of the convergence of investment processes is one of the most important prerequisites for achieving the maximum level of development, competitiveness and security in the current and future time space. The determined methodology includes a complex of interconnected elements, takes into account the presence of short-term and long-term equilibrium interaction and cause-and-effect relationships between the researched components of development transparency and investment processes at industrial enterprises, which makes it possible to assess the positive development effect of financial and investment activity in dynamics, in particular, it allows to identify and predict nonlinear cyclical processes in enterprises as a whole and in certain local directions of transparency of development, to determine the characteristic trends and interrelationships of the behavior of strategic trajectories of the transparency management system of the development of enterprises in the conditions of convergence of investment processes, which is a renovation basis for the formation of a set of general justified strategies and mechanisms of development of industrial enterprises.

Managing Feral Swine: Thoughts of Private Landowners in the West Gulf Region

Feral swine (Sus scrofa) have extensive harmed private landowners throughout the southern United States, especially in the West Gulf Region. Managing feral swine on private land is becoming increasingly critical and challenging to reduce both ecological and economic damage. To better understand private landowners’ experience and preferences for various feral swine management measures, we surveyed private landowners across the West Gulf Region (WGR) including Arkansas (AR), Louisiana (LA), and East Texas (ETX) in 2021. A total of 4500 surveys were mailed across the three states, with 2000 questionnaires sent in AR, 1500 in LA, and 1000 in ETX. Using descriptive analysis and principal components analysis (PCA), we analyzed private landowners’ experiences and preferences in feral swine management across this region. The tesults revealed that most private landowners (>85%) in the region were familiar with feral swine, and over 80% of them had ever seen the intrusion of feral swine onto their properties. Regarding the potential management measures, these landowners strongly supported lethal control methods such as capture and kill; in addition, they expressed a strong desire to receive education on and technical assistance with controlling feral swine. These findings provide a better understanding of private landowners’ familiarity and experiences with feral swine presence on their properties and their preference and support for various feral swine control measures, aiding in developing more effective feral swine management and control policies and programs in the West Gulf Region and beyond.

Quantifying the Light-Absorption Properties and Molecular Composition of Brown Carbon Aerosol from Sub-Saharan African Biomass Combustion.

Sub-Saharan Africa is a hotspot for biomass burning (BB)-derived carbonaceous aerosols, including light-absorbing organic (brown) carbon (BrC). However, the chemically complex nature of BrC in BB aerosols from this region is not fully understood. We generated smoke in a chamber through smoldering combustion of common sub-Saharan African biomass fuels (hardwoods, cow dung, savanna grass, and leaves). We quantified aethalometer-based, real-time light-absorption properties of BrC-containing organic-rich BB aerosols, accounting for variations in wavelength, fuel type, relative humidity, and photochemical aging conditions. In filter samples collected from the chamber and Botswana in the winter, we identified 182 BrC species, classified into lignin pyrolysis products, nitroaromatics, coumarins, stilbenes, and flavonoids. Using an extensive set of standards, we determined species-specific mass and emission factors. Our analysis revealed a linear relationship between the combined BrC species contribution to chamber-measured BB aerosol mass (0.4-14%) and the mass-absorption cross-section at 370 nm (0.2-2.2 m2 g-1). Hierarchical clustering resolved key molecular-level components from the BrC matrix, with photochemically aged emissions from leaf and cow-dung burning showing BrC fingerprints similar to those found in Botswana aerosols. These quantitative findings could potentially help refine climate model predictions, aid in source apportionment, and inform effective air quality management policies for human health and the global climate.

Predicting citizens municipal solid waste recycling intentions in Morocco: The role of community engagement

This research paper investigates municipal solid waste recycling with a focus on Morocco's efforts to improve waste management and recycling rates. Despite initiatives and policies, challenges persist, including limited public awareness and infrastructure deficiencies. Using data collected through a questionnaire delivered through the internet from Mars to May 2023. Utilizing the theory of planned behavior, the study extends to include Community Engagement. Findings highlight the significant influence of Perceived Behavioral Control and Attitude on recycling intentions, emphasizing the need for empowerment and positive attitudes. Community Engagement emerges as a crucial catalyst for promoting sustainable waste management. Subjective Norms exhibit limited impact, necessitating targeted strategies to address social barriers. The paper concludes that understanding these determinants is crucial for effective waste management policies, contributing to knowledge on recycling behavior and promoting sustainability in Morocco and beyond.

Analyzing the policy-driven adaptation of Important Agriculture Heritage Systems to modernization from the resilience perspective: a case study of Qingtian Rice-Fish Culture System, China

Formulating effective conservation and management policies plays a key role in helping Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (IAHS) cope with the threats and challenges brought by modernization. An important criterion to measure their effectiveness is whether they maintain or enhance the resilience of IAHS. In this study, we first integrate IAHS resilience into the social-ecological systems (SES) framework and propose a SES-based analytical framework for IAHS resilience, which helps analyze how IAHS adapt to external disturbances under the drivers of policies. Then, we suggest the trade-off of ecosystem services as the surrogate of IAHS resilience and use the carbon footprint per unit output value as an indicator to quantify IAHS resilience. The application in Qingtian Rice-Fish Culture System (QRFCS) reveals that the rice-fish culture systems in three villages have formed different development models driven by different conservation and management policies when challenged by modernization, and have displayed different resilience in different development models. The development model centering on enlarged-scale fish farming in Xinpeng Village has shown the highest resilience; the development model with a combination of moderate-scale land management and experiential heritage tourism in Longxian Village has displayed a moderate resilience; and the development model with organic rice-fish culture integrated into terrace sightseeing tourism in Xiaozhoushan Village has shown the lowest resilience. Based on this, we put forward suggestions for maintaining and enhancing the resilience of QRFCS, so as to improve the management of the heritage system. We present that the results will not only enrich the resilience study of SES, but also promote IAHS management and regional sustainable development.

Effect of Liquidity Management On the Financial Performance of Nigerian Oil and Gas Firms

The Nigerian Oil and Gas industry, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to be plagued with numerous economic challenges that affect its liquidity position and hinders it from delivering on its core mandate of profitability. Hence, the purpose of this research was to look into the effect of liquidity management on the financial performance of Nigerian oil and gas firms. Current Ratio (CUR), Quick Ratio (QUR), Cash Ratio (CAR), and Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) were explored as proxy variables for liquidity management and financial performance, respectively, using an ex-post facto research approach. The study used a purposive sampling approach to collect secondary data, which was based on the availability of data at the time of the investigation. These figures were collected from five Nigerian oil and gas firms' annual financial reports, which spanned the years 2012 through 2021. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Results from the analysis revealed that Quick Ratio and Cash Ratio has a positive insignificant impact on Return on Capital Employed while Current Ratio has a negative significant impact on Return on Capital Employed. Based on the findings, managers of oil and gas firms should adopt effective liquidity management policies that guarantee an optimal level of liquidity that improves its profitability and enables them operate with a reasonable margin of safety.

Аnalysis of the current state and main trends in the formation of the waste management system

The scale and significance of the waste problem intheUkrainian economy is associated both with thedomination ofresource-The scale and significance of thewaste problem in the economy of Ukraine is related bothto the dominance of resource-intensive technologies andthe lack of an effective waste management policy formany years. Significant volumes of accumulated waste,an increase in the number of unauthorized landfills andoverloaded landfills that do not meet environmentalsafety standards; low regulation of the issue of wastemanagement at the legislative level; the lack of aneffective waste management system and effectivemeasures aimed at preventing the generation, recycling,recovery and disposal of waste are the main factors thatnegatively affect the environmental safety of our country.Environmental assessment methods and the level of detailof accounting and analytical information on wasterequire improvement. The article examines the dynamicsof waste formation in Ukraine, the current situation ofwaste growth is worsened by the military aggression ofthe Russian Federation against Ukraine. The maindirections of the National Waste Management Strategyare considered. The necessity of forming an effectiveinformation system at the stage of implementation of thewaste management process at each enterprise, which hasboth national and regional significance, is substantiated.The need for the formation of reliable data by enterprisesof various forms of ownership for the formation oftransparent and objective information about waste inorder to implement a five-level hierarchy of wastemanagement, which is based on recovery and rationalconsumption of resources, uses economic approaches tominimize the negative impact on the environment, isemphasized. waste-free production and achieving thegoals of sustainable development. The need to regulatethe concepts of "waste" and "irreversible waste" inregulatory acts has been proven. The method ofaccounting for standard and non-standard nonreturnablewaste at the enterprise has been clarified.Thestudy notes that the formation of an effective wastemanagement system is one of the key tools for authoritiesto implement the basic principles of waste legislation atboth the national and regional levels.

A new model for residential location choice using residential trajectory data

Traditional residential location choice (RLC) models are based on the characteristics of location and demographics, revealing important patterns of RLC, but no RLC models have yet incorporated individual preferences. This study fills this gap by integrating the pattern of home-based travel into the RLC model. Firstly, by analysing residential trajectory data collected from Beijing and Shenzhen, we find that both residents’ commuting time, that is, time spent commuting to work, and home-based non-commuting (HBNC) time, that is, time spent on the consumption of amenities when departing from homes, follow an extreme value distribution (EVT). This indicates that, based on time budget and financial constraints, residents strive to minimise commuting time and maximise HBNC time. Subsequently, by integrating these findings into individual-level RLC analysis, we obtain an RLC model that aligns with the gravity model. Throughout the model training process, we demonstrate that the RLC model exhibits strong robustness by incorporating control variables, changing the spatial scale of the observation unit, testing for endogeneity, and considering historical RLC. Moreover, the model performs well in applications including assessing dynamic changes in RLC behaviours and making predictions based on previous travel behaviours. The RLC model in this study advances our understanding of human habitat selection behaviour and can be utilised by policymakers to develop and implement effective urban planning and epidemic management policies.

Global Trends in the Incidence of Anxiety Disorders From 1990 to 2019: Joinpoint and Age-Period-Cohort Analysis Study.

Anxiety disorders (ADs) are the most common mental illness with high prevalence, chronicity, and comorbidity. Despite rapid economic and cultural development, the global incidence of ADs continues to increase, with predominance in male individuals. To address the above issues, we analyzed the dynamic trends of the global incidence and disease burden of ADs from 1990 to 2019 and their different effects on age, period, and birth cohort and predicted the future trend of AD incidence. The data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease study in 2019. A joinpoint regression model was used to calculate the annual percent change in AD incidence, and age-period-cohort analysis was used to estimate the independent effects of age, period, and cohort. Nordpred age-period-cohort analysis was used to predict the incidence of ADs from 2020 to 2044. The age-standardized incidence rate of ADs increased by 1.06% for both sexes, and the age-standardized disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) rate (ASDR) decreased by 0.12%. Joinpoint regression indicated that increments in average annual percent changes in the age-standardized incidence rate (0.068 vs 0.012) and ASDR (0.035 vs -0.015) for ADs globally were higher among male individuals than female individuals. The age-period-cohort analyses revealed that the relative risk (RR) of the incidence and DALYs of ADs among people of different sexes increased with age in adolescence and middle age and then decreased. For the period effect, the RR of incidence decreased, whereas the RR of DALYs increased in both sexes. Moreover, the RR of the incidence gradually increased and DALYs slowly decreased with birth year for both male and female individuals. New cases of ADs in male individuals are predicted to increase in the coming 25years. This study provided the changing trend of the global incidence and disease burden of ADs in the past 3 decades, indicating that early prevention and effective control cannot be ignored. We analyzed the age-period-cohort effect of potential trends in ADs and predicted future incidence trends. The results suggest that we should take active intervention measures, focusing on high-risk groups and developing effective management and control policies to reduce the global burden of disease.

Deciphering the evolving trajectories of China's megaregions from 1992 to 2020: A novel morphological approach based on global land cover products

The monitoring of megaregion boundaries (MBs) is of vital importance for optimizing land use decision-making. However, the morphological structure of megaregions is currently insufficiently identified due to the nontransparent proprietary or inherent deficiency data sources. Thus, this study utilized land cover products integrated with morphological approaches to delineate the evolving trajectories of China's megaregions from 1992 to 2020. Firstly, core areas of megaregions and periphery affected areas were extracted from urban land density maps based on the gravity model and landscape metrics. Secondly, contiguous urban-rural fringes were improved based on the morphological operations and the rank-size distribution. Thirdly, urban land was automatically allocated to megaregions, considering planning policies. Furthermore, three indicators (gross domestic product, population, and land use density) are considered to validate our results, and our extracted MBs show a better understanding than the administrative divisions. The dynamic expansion patterns of twenty identified MBs were captured. As urbanization continues, the boundaries between megaregions become increasingly blurred and eventually merged into large-scale continuous megaregions that extend far beyond administrative divisions. Our study provides valuable insights for megaregion planning, including the effective urban management policies, the role of core cities in each megaregion in terms of radiation and capability.

Improving model performance in mapping cropland soil organic matter using time-series remote sensing data

Faced with increasing global soil degradation, spatially explicit data on cropland soil organic matter (SOM) provides crucial data for soil carbon pool accounting, cropland quality assessment and the formulation of effective management policies. As a spatial information prediction technique, digital soil mapping (DSM) has been widely used to spatially map soil information at different scales. However, the accuracy of digital SOM maps for cropland is typically lower than for other land cover types due to the inherent difficulty in precisely quantifying human disturbance. To overcome this limitation, this study systematically assessed a framework of “information extraction-feature selection-model averaging” for improving model performance in mapping cropland SOM using 462 cropland soil samples collected in Guangzhou, China in 2021. The results showed that using the framework of dynamic information extraction, feature selection and model averaging could efficiently improve the accuracy of the final predictions (R2: 0.48 to 0.53) without having obviously negative impacts on uncertainty. Quantifying the dynamic information of the environment was an efficient way to generate covariates that are linearly and nonlinearly related to SOM, which improved the R2 of random forest from 0.44 to 0.48 and the R2 of extreme gradient boosting from 0.37 to 0.43. Forward recursive feature selection (FRFS) is recommended when there are relatively few environmental covariates (<200), whereas Boruta is recommended when there are many environmental covariates (>500). The Granger-Ramanathan model averaging approach could improve the prediction accuracy and average uncertainty. When the structures of initial prediction models are similar, increasing in the number of averaging models did not have significantly positive effects on the final predictions. Given the advantages of these selected strategies over information extraction, feature selection and model averaging have a great potential for high-accuracy soil mapping at any scales, so this approach can provide more reliable references for soil conservation policy-making.

Public water quality in surface and groundwater collection systems in Brazil

Water is a vital natural resource for the existence of life, maintenance of ecosystems and the development of society. Many cities and communities rely on surface catchment systems, which involve collecting water from rivers, lakes and dams. Others, in turn, use underground collection systems, obtaining water from aquifers and artesian wells. Each of these methods presents specific challenges regarding water quality, as surface water is more exposed to organic and inorganic pollutants, while groundwater may contain minerals and dissolved substances that affect its potability. In general, the quality of water that reaches homes and commercial establishments is determined by the analysis of microbiological indicators, free residual chlorine, turbidity, total coliforms and fluoride. This narrative review seeks to clarify the nuances of water capture systems, their particularities and the factors that affect water quality in Brazil, highlighting the importance of constant monitoring, adequate treatment and effective water management policies in guaranteeing access to fresh water high quality for everyone.

Analysis of Factors Affecting Turnover Intention in BPR Batam City Bank Employees

The growth of the banking sector in Indonesia has experienced rapid development in recent decades, playing a key role in supporting the economy and the well-being of the community. Employees in the banking sector, including Bank Perkreditan rakyat (BPR), have a significant impact on the success of the bank. However, employee turnover intention has become an important issue that needs to be addressed in the midst of increasing competition in the banking sector. This study identifies the factors influencing employee turnover intention at BPR Batam City and proposes strategies to minimize turnover, Data obtained through the distribution of 192 questionnaires to respondents. The study's findings also explain the relationship between compensation, organizational culture, job stress, and job satisfaction on employee turnover intention. These results can serve as a basis for developing more effective human resource management policies in the banking sector.

МЕТОДИКА ОЦЕНКИ АКТИВНЫХ ОПЕРАЦИЙ КОММЕРЧЕСКОГО БАНКА

The generation of the main financial result of commercial banks directly depends on the effectiveness of active operations. The evolution of financial relations, the achievement of the main goal of the credit institution’s activ- ities to obtain a positive financial result and the desire of commercial banks to use and diversify free cash flows in the economic environment – all this has determined the relevance of this scientific research. In their activities, all credit institutions constantly apply an effective banking management policy through methods of evaluating active transactions, as well as obtaining complete and timely information about the functioning of a credit institution is ensured by constant monitoring, timely prompt response to rapid changes in the banking services market in modern conditions, which contributes to their more efficient functioning. Generating a high financial result, maintaining an acceptable level of solvency and liquidity of banking activities is ensured by effective management of active operations of a credit institution, competent placement of available funds.

PRINCIP ZERO WASTE U FUNKCIJI POVEĆANJA EKONOMSKOG RAZVOJA U HOTELSKOM POSLOVANJU

The aim of this research is to determine the impact of implementing the Zero Waste strategy on economic benefits in the hotel industry of the Republic of Serbia. A quantitative methodology was employed, comprising a survey among managers from various hotels, combined with statistical data analysis to verify hypotheses. The results indicate that investments in employee education, effective waste management policies, and investments in sustainable technologies significantly contribute to profit enhancement. This research contributes to the theoretical understanding and practical application of the Zero Waste strategy in the hospitality sector, providing evidence supporting the economic and environmental value of sustainable practices.

Security Awareness Programs and Behavioral Patterns in Nigeria Deposit Money Banks: Adopting a Robust Cybersecurity Culture.

In an era marked by evolving cybersecurity threats, understanding the interplay between Security Awareness Programs, Behavioral Patterns, and Cybersecurity Culture is essential for safeguarding organizational assets and maintaining trust in financial institutions. This study investigated this relationship within Nigeria’s Deposit Money Banks, employing a comprehensive analysis of key variables such as Compliance Adherence, Security Policy Acknowledgements, Training Completion Rate, Risk Awareness and Management, Behavioral Analytics, Employee Feedback and Engagement, and Incident Response Time.Utilizing data gathered from a field survey, the study employed multiple regression analysis and tested for hypotheses. Specifically, the study revealed that Compliance Adherence, Training Completion Rate, and Risk Awareness and Management significantly influenced Employee Feedback and Engagement. Compliance Adherence increased Employee Feedback and Engagement by 0.065 (t-stat: 0.750, p = 0.014), Training Completion Rate by 0.397 (t-stat: 3.846, p &lt; 0.001), and Risk Awareness and Management by 0.237 (t-stat: 2.031, p = 0.028). Similarly, Compliance Adherence, Security Policy Acknowledgements, Training Completion Rate, and Risk Awareness and Management significantly impacted Incident Response Time. Compliance Adherence increased Incident Response Time by 0.067 (t-stat: 0.721, p = 0.041), Security Policy Acknowledgements by 0.087 (t-stat: 0.911, p = 0.033), and Training Completion Rate by 0.188 (t-stat: 1.118, p &lt; 0.001). However, Risk Awareness and Management didn’t show significant impact on Incident Response Time. Moreover, Compliance Adherence, Security Policy Acknowledgements, Training Completion Rate, and Risk Awareness and Management significantly contributed to Cybersecurity Culture. Compliance Adherence increased Cybersecurity Culture by 0.523 (t-stat: 0.101, p &lt; 0.001), Security Policy Acknowledgements by 0.041 (t-stat: 0.279, p = 0.011), Training Completion Rate by 0.188 (t-stat: 1.139, p &lt; 0.001), and Risk Awareness and Management by 0.239 (t-stat: 1.453, p = 0.041). These findings offered valuable insights for policymakers, bank management, cybersecurity professionals, and employees, informing the development of effective cybersecurity strategies and risk management policies. By understanding the intricate relationship between Security Awareness Programs, Behavioral Patterns, and Cybersecurity Culture, stakeholders could better navigate the complexities of the cybersecurity landscape and safeguard organizational interests.

Initial Discovery of Microplastic Presence in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Certain Fish Species in Al-Hoceima Bay

The accumulation of plastic waste in ocean environments is a critical ecological issue impacting marine wildlife and human health. This study assesses the presence of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tracts of fish from Al-Hoceima Bay, a key part of the Mediterranean marine ecosystem. Using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, we analyzed 90 individuals from two different species, finding that 33% of the examined fish contained microplastics. Specific occurrences were 26% in mackerel and 40% in gilthead sea bream. These findings highlight significant contamination even in commercial fishing areas, raising urgent questions about the long-term ecological effects and health risks. Therefore, the need for effective plastic waste management policies is critical to protect our marine ecosystems and food safety.