Abstract
Anthropogenic litter (i.e., trash, AL) on beaches has negative ecological and economic impacts. Beach AL is likely moved together with coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM, algae, leaves), but no previous studies have assessed AL and CPOM co-distribution. We measured AL and CPOM on four urban beaches in Chicago, Illinois, USA, along two transect types (pier-adjacent, non-pier adjacent) in which each has three habitats (upland, beach, strand line). As expected, AL and CPOM density were positively related across all transects. AL and CPOM were significantly higher adjacent to piers, and variable among habitats. Wood, leaves, and smoking-related AL were most abundant in beach and upland zones while glass and algal detritus were abundant at the strandline. Overall, AL and CPOM show ‘patchy’ distribution attributed to wind and wave movement toward accumulation sites. Beach CPOM is a hot spot of biological activity (e.g., microbes, invertebrates, birds). Therefore, mixing of AL and CPOM suggests organisms may be more likely to encounter AL in mixed accumulations. Efforts to reduce the abundance and biological impacts of beach AL will benefit from emphasizing organic matter accumulation sites.
Highlights
The accumulation of anthropogenic litter (AL, trash) is increasing in marine and freshwater ecosystems worldwide [1,2,3]
Efforts to reduce the abundance and biological impacts of beach AL will benefit from emphasizing organic matter accumulation sites
Data were assessed to meet the assumptions of the Kolmogorov-Smirnoff test for normal distribution
Summary
The accumulation of anthropogenic litter (AL, trash) is increasing in marine and freshwater ecosystems worldwide [1,2,3]. Beach habitats have been a focus of research on AL, as they provide important ecosystem services and AL is conspicuous to visitors [4,5]. Common types of beach AL include cigarette butts, food packaging, fishing debris, and plastic fragments [3,6,7]. Beach AL can pose a threat to wildlife (e.g., birds, marine mammals, and fish) via ingestion, entanglement, or leeching of chemical contaminants or additives [8,9,10]. Beach AL poses a physical danger (e.g., broken glass, fishing debris) and may have negative economic impacts if left unmitigated. Communities at risk of economic losses due to AL pollution implement beach clean-up and maintenance strategies [11,12]
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