Understanding marine litter origin in a coastal area: Can Gio beaches, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, as the case study

Abstract

To decrease the leakage of waste and harmful compounds into marine ecosystems, it is imperative to identify the source of marine litter and implement appropriate mitigation strategies. In this study, bottles and single-use containers presented at four beaches in Can Thanh Town, Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City were recorded the abundance, country of production, and lifetime from the manufacturing stamp date on the bottles and containers. Instead of collecting items and bringing them to the laboratory like most studies on marine litter, this study used the Mergin Maps application to record data. A total of 522 items were recorded during two surveys. The identification of litter sources has been made considerably more accessible by using trademarks and logos. Among the 60.5% of items with recorded brands, items with domestic production addresses (Vietnam) accounted for the most significant proportion (78.2% of items with brands). In addition, Thailand accounted for the most significant proportion of items originating from foreign countries. Lids and caps are essential for long-distance transportation. Epibionts and bite marks indicated that most bottles and containers drifted along the ocean currents in the area. Marine litter from beaches in Can Gio District originated mainly from waste drifting from rivers and oceans. This study not only illustrated where the waste came from but also provided insightful data that would support managers' decisions to illustrate where the waste came from and provided insightful data that would support managers' decisions to regulate and lessen marine litter in the area effectively.