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Mismanaged plastic waste as a predictor for river plastic pollution
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This study of macroplastic pollution in the Odaw catchment, Ghana found no seasonal differences in plastic transport and only weak correlations between hydrometeorological variables (rainfall, discharge, wind speed) and plastic transport, but a strong spatial correlation between mismanaged plastic waste (MPW) and macroplastic pollution. The findings challenge the assumed dominance of hydrological drivers and highlight anthropogenic waste mismanagement as the primary predictor of river plastic pollution variability.
Hydrometeorological processes are often assumed to be key drivers of plastic transport. However, the predominant focus on these factors overlooks the impact of anthropogenic factors, such as mismanaged plastic waste (MPW) on plastic transport variability. Here, we investigate the roles of both anthropogenic and hydrometeorological factors on plastic pollution in the Odaw catchment, Ghana. Data on macroplastic transport and density were collected at ten locations between December 2021 and December 2022. We tested for differences between the wet and dry seasons and applied a multiple regression analysis to examine the separate and combined impact of hydrometeorological variables (rainfall, discharge, and windspeed) on macroplastic transport. Additionally, we analyzed the spatial correlation in macroplastic transport/density with MPW and population density. Data collection involved visual counting of floating macroplastics at 10 river locations and counting litter at 9 riverbanks and land locations. Rainfall data was sourced from TAHMO (Trans-African Hydrometeorological Observatory), discharge was measured during field campaigns, and windspeed data sourced from a global climate data provider. We used globally modelled MPW estimates to represent anthropogenic factors. Contrary to previous studies, we found no seasonal differences in macroplastic pollution and only weak correlations were observed between the hydrometeorological variables and macroplastic transport. However, a strong correlation was observed between MPW and macroplastic pollution. We hypothesize that, the influence of hydrometeorological factors on macroplastic transport depend on the relative impact of anthropogenic factors. Our research highlights the limited role of hydrometeorology, showing the significant role of mismanaged plastic waste to field monitored macroplastic pollution variability in the catchment. This insight is essential for future research as it highlights the importance of holistically investigating both anthropogenic and hydrometeorological factors in explaining plastic transport and retention dynamics. This insight is essential for developing interventions that effectively address plastic pollution in catchments.
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This study monitored plastic transport in the Odaw River, Ghana during the dry season, finding that tidal dynamics were the primary driver of plastic transport near the river mouth, while rainfall and river discharge dominated upstream. Estimated daily mass transport was 140–380 kg/day, and the findings provide a baseline for understanding plastic emissions to the Gulf of Guinea.
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This study quantified macroplastic transport and density across the Odaw River catchment in Ghana, dividing it into non-urban riverine, urban riverine, and urban tidal zones. The urban riverine zone had the highest plastic transport rates, while the urban tidal zone had the highest bank and land plastic density, with water sachets and soft plastic fragments most abundant.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.