Abstract
Around the coastline of the UK, macro-debris has been observed in average densities of over 700 items per metre. Systematic beach-cleans were conducted at 35 sites around the Scottish Orkney Islands, in order to quantify and categorise the level of marine debris found there. Litter was collected from 100 m transects and categorised by its material, broad source (terrestrial or marine) and potential sector source. Variation between sites, and the relative contribution of pre-determined environmental variables in influencing said variation, were analysed using the “capscale” function for a canonical analysis of principle coordinates (CAP). 513 items/m were observed, (77% plastic), with “String/cord (<1cm diameter)” being the most abundant and widely distributed litter type. 47% of macro-debris was attributed to the fishing sector and < 10% to leisure, living and tourism-associated activities. Conversely, the unique regional hydrodynamics must be examined further, before the source of any given item can be categorically assigned.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 111364 |
Journal | Marine Pollution Bulletin |
Volume | 157 |
Early online date | 17 Jun 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Aug 2020 |
Keywords
- Environmental contamination
- Litter categorisation
- Macro-debris
- Marine debris
- Orkney Islands
- Plastic pollution
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Oceanography
- Aquatic Science
- Pollution