Coastal vegetation intercepts macroplastics and, consequently, it may represent a reservoir of anthropogenic litter and organic wrack. We aimed at investigating (i) the abundance variation of macrolitter from the beach to foredune and backdune (three cross-shore plots over 20 long-shore sectors) and (ii) the role of the halo-psammophilous plants and Phragmites australis reedbed in intercepting the macrolitter, respectively, in the foredunes and backdunes. The vegetation in the foredunes (mainly halo-psammophilous species) acted as a first interception belt for macrolitter, while the bigger litter reached the backdunes. Our results might be of great concern with implications for beach clean-ups – which must also be mainly focused in foredunes and backdunes, however warning operators in advance that they could damage the vegetation by trampling on.
Gallitelli, L., Battisti, C., Scalici, M. (2023). Dunal plants intercepting macrolitter: Implications for beach clean-ups. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN [10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114585].
Dunal plants intercepting macrolitter: Implications for beach clean-ups
Gallitelli L;Scalici M
2023-01-01
Abstract
Coastal vegetation intercepts macroplastics and, consequently, it may represent a reservoir of anthropogenic litter and organic wrack. We aimed at investigating (i) the abundance variation of macrolitter from the beach to foredune and backdune (three cross-shore plots over 20 long-shore sectors) and (ii) the role of the halo-psammophilous plants and Phragmites australis reedbed in intercepting the macrolitter, respectively, in the foredunes and backdunes. The vegetation in the foredunes (mainly halo-psammophilous species) acted as a first interception belt for macrolitter, while the bigger litter reached the backdunes. Our results might be of great concern with implications for beach clean-ups – which must also be mainly focused in foredunes and backdunes, however warning operators in advance that they could damage the vegetation by trampling on.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.