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

José R. Souza Filho (), Antônio A. S. Chagas, Iracema R. Silva, Junia K. Guimarães, Tania E. Sakanaka and Gerson Fernandino
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José R. Souza Filho: Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology Baiano—IFBAIANO, Rua do Rouxinol, 115, Imbuí, Salvador 41720-052, BA, Brazil
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
Tania E. Sakanaka: Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Dalton Building, Chester Street, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
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

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 3, 1-15

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.

Keywords: beach management; coastal tourism; environmental quality; solid waste management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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