Quantitative analysis of marine debris along the sea beaches of Brunei Darussalam

Abstract

Debris along the sea beaches is a global concern and requires urgent attention from researchers and policy makers as it affects tourism, ecosystem and human health. Brunei Darussalam has 161 km long coast along South China Sea and continuous presence of debris is a growing concern. This pioneer study involves selection of four different beaches based on tourism activities and proximity to rivers in Brunei Darussalam. The debris was collected and analysed physically. The collected samples were categorized by number, weight, size and colour. By number, large amount of plastic (91.46%) was found on all four beaches. However, on the basis of weight, metals were the leading (41.6%) followed by plastic (37.62%). As most abundant type of debris was plastic, so it was then further classified on the basis of size and colour. Most of the materials found on these beaches were the result of tourism activities, but the contribution of debris by waterways is also significant. Although there were some signs of debris from neighbouring countries, but these were rare and mostly the debris collected was from local sources.