Abstract
We investigated the composition, quantity, distribution and potential sources of floating litter in the subtidal zones of tropical beaches. Marine sampling sites were selected based on the presence (protected/sheltered) or absence (non-protected) of reefs. Plastic was the most abundant material, and the presence of floating litter from land-based sources was confirmed, which was likely associated with domestic and tourism-related activities, owing to irregular waste disposal. Marine debris was more abundant during the rainy season, and marine beaches had more floating litter than estuarine beaches. Coastal reefs served as a barrier, impeding the transport of marine litter by coastal currents, explaining the greater abundance of floating litter on protected/sheltered marine beaches. Thus, three mechanisms seemed to drive the amount of floating litter in the subtidal zone of the tropical beaches: 1) the availability of floating litter in the water, 2) coastal hydrodynamics favoring the accumulation of floating litter, and 3) a beach’s capacity to retain floating litter. Our study demonstrates that marine litter is an important pollution source in sensitive areas that play a key role as nurseries for marine life, especially in beaches close to reef formations.
Published Version
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