Dunal plants intercepting macrolitter: Implications for beach clean-ups. (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gallitelli, Luca; Battisti, Corrado; Scalici, Massimiliano
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 187(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: Macrolitter -- Halo-psammophilous plants -- Plastic trapper -- Reedbed -- Wetland pollution; 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.2023.114585
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Coastal vegetation intercepts macroplastics and, consequently, it may represent a reservoir of anthropogenic litter and organic wrack. We aimed at investigating (i) the abundance variation of macrolitter from the beach to foredune and backdune (three cross-shore plots over 20 long-shore sectors) and (ii) the role of the halo-psammophilous plants and Phragmites australis reedbed in intercepting the macrolitter, respectively, in the foredunes and backdunes. The vegetation in the foredunes (mainly halo-psammophilous species) acted as a first interception belt for macrolitter, while the bigger litter reached the backdunes. Our results might be of great concern with implications for beach clean-ups – which must also be mainly focused in foredunes and backdunes, however warning operators in advance that they could damage the vegetation by trampling on. Highlights: We observed a gradient in macro-litter distribution from beach to foredune and backdune. Vegetation intercepted most litter in foredune and backdune when compared to beach. The reedbed Phragmites australis has a role in intercepting litter. While reeds filtered small litter, the bigger litter reached the backdunes.