Beach litter along various sand dune habitats in the southern Adriatic (E Mediterranean). (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Šilc, Urban; Küzmič, Filip; Caković, Danka; Stešević, Danijela
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 128(2018)
• Page Start: 353
• Page End: 360
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: EUNIS -- Marine debris -- Montenegro -- Tourism -- Plastic; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.01.045
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Marine litter accumulates on sandy beaches and is an important environmental problem, as well as a threat to habitat types that are among the most endangered according to EU legislation. We sampled 120 random plots (2 × 2 m) in spring 2017 to determine the distribution pattern of beach litter along the zonation of habitat types from sea to the inland. The most frequent litter items were plastic, polystyrene and glass. A clear increase of litter cover along the sea-inland gradient is evident, and foredunes and pine forests have the highest cover of litter. Almost no litter was present in humid dune slacks. Shoreline and recreational activities are the major source of beach litter, while ocean/waterway activities are more important in the aphytic zone and strandline. Highlights: The amount of litter significantly changes across different sandy beach habitat types. The cover of litter is highest in foredunes and almost zero in humid dune slacks. Plastic fragments, drink/food packaging and cigarette butts are the commonest litter items. Artificial polymer items are by far the most common litter material found on the beach.