Spatial patterns and types of marine anthropogenic debris on touristic beaches along the Eastern Indian Ocean: A preliminary study from Southern Sumatera Island, Indonesia

Abstract

Padang City is the primary contributor to waste generation in West Sumatera Province, Indonesia. However, information regarding stranded marine anthropogenic debris (AD) existence remains limited. Hence, the primary objective of this study is to assess the stranded AD (abundance, type, and daily accumulation rate/DAR), potential sources, and environmental quality on the emerging tourist beach of Padang. Beaches were selected and sampled by adapting recommendations from NOAA's Marine AD program. We discovered that proximity to rivers, settlement density, sampling time, and artificial obstructions impact beach index, abundance, and DAR of stranded AD. Due to the highest average of stranded AD, Padang beaches are becoming a new debris hot spot in Indonesia. AD is dominated by plastic and originates from local and land-based sources. All beaches are categorized as dirty and covered with hazardous AD. Therefore, tourist comfort and safety must be addressed. To improve these conditions, the local government should conduct awareness campaigns, install trash booms in the river, and collaborate with all stakeholders. More rigorous AD monitoring across different seasons and fields is highly recommended for the appropriate treatment implementation.