Title: Assessment of Marine Environmental Litter Present in Zanzibar (Unguja) Beaches
Authors: Ali Nassor Bakar Mohammed Suleiman Mohammed Ali Makame Ussi Shaib S. Mnemba Zhanna M. Tairova
Volume: 8
Issue: 11
Pages: 42-47
Publication Date: 2024/11/28
Abstract:
Marine litter in aquatic environments can expand as a result of the world's ongoing increase in plastic material manufacturing, the widespread use of such products, and inadequate waste management methods, increasing community awareness and fostering collaboration between governmental and non-governmental organizations are the only strategies that can effectively reduce this type of marine pollutants. The objectives of this study were to analyze the standard categories of marine litter at different sites along the Zanzibar coastline. 100-meter transects were set up at each beach of the selected five field stations in Unguja, Zanzibar. The GPS coordinates for each transect were recorded. Followed by the collection of all marine litter present within the transect and finally sent to laboratory for analysis. SPSS version 20 and Microsoft Excel LTSC Professional Plus 2021 were used to evaluate both qualitative and quantitative data in this study, at a significance level of (p = 0.05). The results showed that the overall average materials categories were 561 items with (30.60%) in Beit-el-raas Field Station, 431 (23.56%) in Fumba Field Station, 246 (13.42%) Mbweni Field Station, 370 (20.19) % Mangapwani Field Station and 224 (12.22%) at Jambiani Field Station respectively. The plastic litter (1476, 56.6 6%), were found to be most dominant categories, followed by glass (382, 14.66%), carpets (189, 7.26%), wood (137, 5.26%), metal (139, 5.33%) paper (75, 2.88%) and rubber (46, 1.76%) while other (unidentified) materials covered (64, 2.45%). Jambiani which is situated in the southern part of Unguja Island was found to bethe least polluted field station was Jambiani Field Station, , while the most polluted field station was Beit-el-raas, which is located in the West Urban Region. Inadequate effectiveness of marine litter efforts, measures and awareness campaigns to reduce and manage marine litter problems could be the reasons for these results. . The findings of the present study can be the basis for improving the management frameworks for the sustainable coastal and marine environment in Zanzibar.