Analysis of sources and composition of marine debris in western and southern Aceh, Indonesia

Abstract

Marine debris has become an important pollution issue in recent years. Its existence has impacted to marine environment, harmed marine life, and also effected human health and lives. Marine debris study in western and southern Aceh is necessary to compare debris sources, amounts, and locations. The research outputs can provide input to the government to adopt more comprehensive policies and provide important information to targets protection in the coastal areas. Eight sites (two sites for each regency: at shoreline area and estuary stream mouth area) were selected from four regencies located in western and southern Aceh namely the regency of Aceh Jaya, west Aceh, southwestern Aceh, south Aceh. Marine debris was grouped by seven categories namely: plastic, glass, metal, rubber, cloth/fabric, processed lumber, and other/unclassifiable. The results indicated that marine debris was dominated by plastic (86.6%). The highest of debris density (0.145 items/m2) were found in southwestern Aceh and South Aceh Regency. Shoreline and recreational activities have known as the largest source of marine debris (74.8 %), followed by medical/personal hygiene activities (10.8%) dumping activities (85 items, 9.2%), smoking or related activities (4.1%) and activities related to ocean/waterway (1.1%).