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Troubled water: Tracing the plastic tide on Sierra Leone’s beaches
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This study documents the types, quantities, and origins of plastic debris found on beaches in Sierra Leone, a West African nation with limited waste management infrastructure. By tracing the sources of plastic litter, the research identifies both local and transoceanic contributors to coastal pollution. The findings provide a baseline for policy interventions and highlight the disproportionate environmental burden faced by lower-income coastal nations.
Abstract This study provides the first investigation into quantities, types, and potential sources of anthropogenic beach litter in Sierra Leone. Beach litter surveys were conducted monthly at four sites over 11 months. A total of 72,901 litter items (1,246 kg dry weight) were categorised. Across all sites, an average of 1,657 items per 100 m ( SD = 1,639) and 28.32 kg per 100 m ( SD = 37.48) were recorded. Plastics accounted for 70% of the litter by count and 49% by weight. The three most abundant items by count were plastic bottles (25%), plastic caps and lids (13%), and plastic water sachets (12%). By weight, the three most abundant items were plastic bottles (36%), flip-flops (20%), and shoes (9%). Litter amounts decreased from wet to dry season. We provide the following policy recommendations: improving drinking water access and sanitation, waste management, infrastructure and behaviour change.
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Recommendation: Troubled water: Tracing the plastic tide on Sierra Leone’s beaches — R0/PR2
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This study assessed whether microplastics affect the growth and metabolic activity of marine bacteria and phytoplankton. Inhibitory effects on bacterial growth and photosynthesis were observed at environmentally relevant concentrations, suggesting that microplastics could impair microbial-mediated processes in ocean ecosystems.
Patterns and implications of plastic accumulation in mangrove ecosystems and sandy beaches in Western and Central regions of Ghana, West Africa
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This study assessed plastic litter abundance and composition across sandy beaches and mangroves in Ghana's Western and Central regions across wet and dry seasons, collecting 1,895 items dominated by polyethylene bags, bottles, and fragments. Mangroves acted as sinks for plastic bags while sandy beaches accumulated bottles, with urbanized areas showing higher litter densities and land-based sources accounting for 70% of all items.
Investigation of Abundance and Spatial Distribution of Marine Debris on Ghanaian Urban Coastal Beaches
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Marine debris abundance and spatial distribution were comprehensively assessed on three urban coastal beaches in Ghana along the Gulf of Guinea. The study characterized debris types and distribution patterns, documenting significant plastic accumulation with implications for coastal ecosystem health, public safety, and eco-tourism.
Anthropogenic Litter on Beaches With Different Levels of Development and Use: A Snapshot of a Coast in Pernambuco (Brazil)
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Beach litter was surveyed at nine sites in northeastern Brazil, finding plastic dominated at all beach types but with differences in litter composition linked to local activities. Characterizing litter sources at specific beaches is essential for targeted waste reduction policies.
Occurrence of Microplastics in Surface Sediments of Beaches in Lagos, Nigeria
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Microplastics were found in beach sediments at all four sampled sites in Lagos State, Nigeria, with fragments dominating and polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene identified. The results provide baseline data for West Africa's most populous city and highlight the need for better waste management in rapidly urbanizing coastal regions.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.