Distribution of plastic debris pollution and it is implications on mangrove vegetation

Abstract

Plastic pollution in mangroves located in small islands was not well documented. This study found that mangrove ecosystem in small island was polluted by plastic debris (mainly film: 63% and fiber: 31%). Density of plastic debris in mangrove area was ranging from 10 ± 4 items m−2 to 230 ± 75 items m−2, mean density was 92 ± 28 items m−2. Landward was the most polluted zone mangrove (mean density: 155 ± 58 items m−2) or about 61% of plastic debris was distributed in this zone. This is corresponds to the sources of plastic waste was from land such as households and markets. Mean density of plastic debris was significantly correlated with mangrove health (r2 = 0.59, p = 0.00). This indicated that plastic debris negatively affected mangrove ecosystem directly and indirectly. Effective land-based plastic waste management and actions such as regular beach cleanup are essential to reduce plastic pollution and to ensure mangrove conservation.