Rapid-survey methodology to assess litter volumes along large river systems—a case study of the tamsui river in taiwan
Journal
Sustainability (Switzerland)
Journal Volume
13
Journal Issue
16
Start Page
8765
ISSN
20711050
Date Issued
2021
Author(s)
Abstract
Riverbanks are an important source of plastic pollution. However, the current assessment methods for riverbank litter are based on a point-based sampling which is time consuming and limited in scope. To quickly assess hotspot areas and litter compositions in larger areas, this study developed a new citizen science bicycle survey for riverine debris. Covering 281.5 km of the Tamsui river system in Taiwan, the new methodology was tested at one of the most plastics polluted rivers in the world. The results revealed an average litter density of 15.3 m3/km at the river mouth and of 0.2 m3/km to 2.8 m3/km along the riverbanks further upstream. The coastline was mainly polluted by derelict fishing gear whereas single-use plastics and illegally dumped waste dominated the upstream areas. A correlation between litter and population density could not be identified, but it was noted that litter hotspots occur at cut banks and near mangrove vegetation. Overall, the new methodology proved suitable to collect large quantities of data for scientific purposes and to quickly detect litter accumulations prior to clean-up activities. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Subjects
Citizen science
Macroplastics
Marine debris
Marine litter
Plastic pollution
Rapid assessment
River
Riverbank
Publisher
MDPI
Description
論文編號: 8765
Type
journal article