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Litter Reduction during Beach Closure in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Quantifying the Impact of Users on Beach Litter Generation

Author

Listed:
  • José R. Souza Filho

    (Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology Baiano—IFBAIANO, Rua do Rouxinol, 115, Imbuí, Salvador 41720-052, BA, Brazil
    Post-Graduation in Coastal Environment Management, Department of Oceanography, Federal University of Bahia, Barão de Jeremoabo Street, s/n, Ondina, Salvador 40170-290, BA, Brazil
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Antônio A. S. Chagas

    (Post-Graduation in Coastal Environment Management, Department of Oceanography, Federal University of Bahia, Barão de Jeremoabo Street, s/n, Ondina, Salvador 40170-290, BA, Brazil)

  • Iracema R. Silva

    (Post-Graduation in Coastal Environment Management, Department of Oceanography, Federal University of Bahia, Barão de Jeremoabo Street, s/n, Ondina, Salvador 40170-290, BA, Brazil)

  • Junia K. Guimarães

    (Post-Graduation in Coastal Environment Management, Department of Oceanography, Federal University of Bahia, Barão de Jeremoabo Street, s/n, Ondina, Salvador 40170-290, BA, Brazil
    Post-Graduation in Geography, Federal University of Bahia, Barão de Jeremoabo Street, s/n, Ondina, Salvador 40170-290, BA, Brazil
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Tania E. Sakanaka

    (Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Gerson Fernandino

    (Center for Coastal, Limnological and Marine Studies (Ceclimar), Interdisciplinary Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Campus Litoral Norte. Av. Tramandaí, 976, Imbé 95625-000, RS, Brazil
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

This study aimed to quantify marine litter before and during the COVID pandemic found on urban touristic beaches closed to beachgoer access in northeastern Brazil. Litter identification and quantification was conducted during April, June, and August 2019, when 3583 items were sampled, and replicated during the same months in 2020, when access to the beaches studied was prohibited and a significant reduction in the amount of litter was found, 1812 items (49% decrease). Transects were used to monitor and classify litter according to its source, namely: autochthonous (litter that was locally discarded) and allochthonous (litter from other sites and sources). All beaches were classified as “very clean” and presented a smaller amount of litter during the beach closure period. The highest total marine litter reduction between the periods studied was 83%, while autochthonous litter in particular showed the most significant reduction, 88%. The comparison between the quantity and type of litter found in both periods showed greater specific anthropic pressure from beach users.

Suggested Citation

  • José R. Souza Filho & Antônio A. S. Chagas & Iracema R. Silva & Junia K. Guimarães & Tania E. Sakanaka & Gerson Fernandino, 2023. "Litter Reduction during Beach Closure in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Quantifying the Impact of Users on Beach Litter Generation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-15, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:3:p:2009-:d:1042550
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