Assessing and Mitigating Marine Pollution A comprehensive Study of Waste Accumulation at Abdeh Beach, Lebanese Developers, Lebanon 2023

Summary of the action
This study, implemented by the Lebanese Developers NGO and funded by BEMED, provides an in-depth analysis of waste accumulation at Abdeh Beach, Lebanon, through four waste collection events from September 2022 to October 2023. It identifies plastics and polystyrene as the most significant pollutants, constituting over 70% of both the number and weight of waste collected, with paper and cardboard also notable. Variability in waste volume, influenced by seasonal tourism and local events, was observed, alongside the consistent presence of hazardous materials like medical waste. The study underscores the need for robust recycling initiatives, enhanced community engagement, and stricter waste management policies to mitigate pollution and preserve the ecological health of Abdeh Beach.
Keywords: Waste Management, Plastic Pollution, Sustainable Practices, Community Engagement, Waste Collection Events, Coastal Clean-up, Public Awareness Campaigns.
Introduction
Abdeh Beach, located on the northern coast of Lebanon, is renowned for its vibrant marine life and stunning landscapes, serving both ecological and recreational purposes. As a critical part of local biodiversity within the Mediterranean biome, the beach’s natural beauty and ecological health are of paramount importance. However, it currently faces severe environmental challenges, primarily from the significant accumulation of waste, which adversely affects the health of marine ecosystems and the overall cleanliness of the area. This pollution not only disrupts the habitat of diverse species but also diminishes the beach’s aesthetic appeal and recreational value.
The Lebanese Developers NGO, founded in 2006 and registered in 2008, has been at the forefront of addressing these environmental issues. With a mission to promote sustainable environmental practices, this NGO has been actively engaging with the local community to raise awareness and drive initiatives aimed at preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance of the region.
This study is part of a broader initiative by the NGO to tackle the persistent problem of pollution at Abdeh Beach. Through a series of targeted waste collection events, the NGO aims to gather comprehensive data on the types and quantities of waste present, analyze trends in pollution, and develop effective strategies for managing the environmental degradation of the beach.
Materials and Methods
The study’s methodology involved systematic waste collection and analysis during four designated events organized by the Lebanese Developers NGO from September 2022 to October 2023. The events occurred on September 15, 2022; May 25, 2023; July 28, 2023; and October 7, 2023. These dates were strategically chosen to coincide with expected periods of high waste accumulation, which typically align with peak tourist seasons and are identified through preliminary environmental assessments as times of increased waste production due to heightened beach activities.
Data Collection Protocols
The collected waste was categorized into predefined groups: plastics and polystyrene, metals, textiles, paper, glass, and organic waste. Each category was rigorously examined, with each item counted and weighed, ensuring meticulous records were maintained to analyze both the volume and composition of beach waste. Special attention was given to hazardous materials like medical waste and chemical substances, managed safely and in compliance with environmental standards.
Women from the Dom community notably played a crucial role in data collection. They were trained in specific waste collection and logging techniques to ensure data accuracy and reliability. The collection efforts occasionally faced challenges such as adverse weather conditions and the handling of bulky or hazardous debris, requiring special equipment for safe removal and disposal. Moreover, the NGO adapted its methods in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing safety protocols to protect volunteers from potential health risks.
The equipment used included advanced weighing scale and item counter, which facilitated precise measurement of waste accumulation.
Event Planning and Implementation
The planning and execution of these events involved extensive collaboration with local governance, community leaders, and environmental experts. This collaborative effort not only ensured the effective mobilization of resources but also significantly enhanced community involvement and awareness concerning waste management and environmental conservation.
Analysis of Data
The data gathered from the events showed notable fluctuations in the number and weight of items collected, reflecting variable pollution patterns and possibly the effects of specific local activities or seasonal tourist influxes: (Annex 1)
– September 15, 2022: 726 items weighing a total of 20.442 kg.
– May 25, 2023: 630 items totaling 18.569 kg.
– July 28, 2023: 580 items with the highest total weight of 31.3923 kg.
– October 7, 2023: A notable drop to 159 items weighing 4.723 kg.
Summary of Findings:
Types of Waste Analyzed: The analysis covered various categories such as plastics and polystyrene, cloth, metal, paper and cardboard, wood machined, pottery and ceramic, medical waste, rubber, other pollutants, glass, and feces.
Total Items Collected: There were significant fluctuations in both the total number of items and their weights across the events, highlighting the inconsistency in waste accumulation:
- 726 items on September 15, 2022
- 630 items on May 25, 2023
- 580 items on July 28, 2023
- 159 items on October 7, 2023
The total weight also varied, with the highest weight recorded on July 28, 2023, at 31.3923 kg and the lowest on October 7, 2023, at 4.723 kg.
Detailed Observations by Waste Type
1-Predominant Waste Composition:
– Plastic and Polystyrene are the most significant waste components, representing 71.4% of items and 70.5% of the total weight collected, thereby identifying plastic waste as the primary pollutant. Despite a decrease in the number of plastic items, their substantial presence highlights the ongoing issue of plastic pollution and underscores the urgent need for targeted plastic reduction strategies. The quantity of plastic items reduced significantly from 545 items weighing 9.938 kg to 124 items weighing 2.639 kg.
– Paper and Cardboard are the second most prevalent, comprising 10.1% of items and 9.9% of the weight. The notable decline in these items—from 100 items weighing 1.95 kg to 22 items weighing 0.159 kg—suggests a possible reduction in their usage or disposal at the site, or perhaps more effective clean-up efforts or natural degradation prior to collection dates.
2. Variability in Collection:
– The largest volume of waste was collected on July 28, 2023, with a total weight of 31.3923 kg, significantly higher than other sessions. This peak may reflect varying pollution patterns or the impact of specific events or seasonal tourist activities.
– Wood and Glass: Considerable fluctuations in both count and weight for these materials suggest variable sources or the influence of tidal patterns, with wood peaking in July 2023. Such variability could be attributed to local activities or changes in tidal actions.
– Cloth and Metal: These materials demonstrated a moderate presence with relatively low weights, indicating less frequent but consistent disposal. Cloth showed slight fluctuations in number but maintained a generally low weight. Metal items and their weights slightly increased by the second collection date but reduced again by the third.
3. Less Frequent Items:
– Medical Waste: Although minimal in total count and weight, medical waste was consistently present, highlighting a persistent but low-level source of potentially hazardous materials. Its sporadic presence is concerning due to its hazardous nature, with some increase observed by the second date but none by the third collection.
– Pottery, Ceramic, and Feces: These items had variable records, with feces found in significant quantities on two occasions, pointing to potential sanitation or sewage disposal issues nearby. Pottery and ceramic showed no presence initially, spiked to 28 items (2.317 kg), then dropped to 4 items (0.066 kg) in later collections, suggesting issues in detection or variable dumping rates.
– Rubber: Displayed slight fluctuations in numbers with a generally consistent weight around 1-1.7 kg, indicating occasional but steady disposal.
Overall Observations:
– There’s a general trend of reduction in the amount of waste collected across most categories by the third date.
– The total weight of collected items decreases substantially, from 16.758 kg to 4.723 kg, over the span of these observations.
The data might be useful for understanding waste management effectiveness, seasonal variation in waste production, or the impact of specific waste reduction initiatives.
Recommendations
Waste Reduction Strategies:
– Plastic Reduction Initiatives: Implement community-based recycling programs, enforce regulations on single-use plastics, and promote alternatives.
– Targeted Clean-Up Drives: Focus clean-up efforts on the most affected areas and during peak pollution times identified from the data.
Community Engagement:
– Educational Campaigns: Develop educational programs to raise awareness about the impacts of littering and the benefits of recycling.
– Community Clean-Up Events: Engage local schools, businesses, and residents in regular clean-up events to foster a sense of community responsibility.
Policy Implementation and Enforcement:
– Local Regulations: Work with local authorities to enforce stricter littering penalties and improve waste management infrastructure.
– Hazardous Waste Handling: Implement specific protocols for the safe disposal of hazardous materials like medical waste.
Continued Monitoring and Research:
– Regular Monitoring: Establish a routine monitoring program to track the effectiveness of implemented measures and adapt strategies based on real-time data.
– Further Research: Conduct further studies to explore the sources of high-variance waste items like wood and glass.
Conclusion
The consolidated data from the Lebanese Developers NGO’s waste collection events at Abdeh beach illustrate a pressing need for ongoing environmental management and community engagement strategies. By understanding the types and quantities of waste most prevalent, targeted interventions can be designed to reduce pollution, enhance public health, and preserve the natural beauty of Abdeh beach for future generations. This report serves as a foundation for all stakeholders involved in the conservation efforts to plan and implement effective environmental strategies.
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Annex 1: Detailed table presenting the categorized waste collected on each date.
15/9/2022 | 25/5/2023 | 28/7/2023 | 7/10/2023 | |||||
Items | Number of items | Weight of items | Number of items | Weight of items | Number of items | Weight of items | Number of items | Weight of items |
Plastic et polystyrene | 545 | 9.938 | 474 | 6.166 | 353 | 9.8906 | 124 | 2.639 |
Clothe | 22 | 3.28 | 13 | 1.67 | 12 | 1.93 | 4 | 0.109 |
Metal | 0 | 0 | 34 | 1.447 | 25 | 1.515 | 0 | 0 |
Paper and cardboard | 100 | 1.95 | 57 | 0.479 | 33 | 0.035 | 22 | 0.159 |
Wood machined | 9 | 0.23 | 28 | 1.741 | 44 | 2.3137 | 4 | 0.066 |
Pottery and ceramic | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Medical waste | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0.31 | 53 | 1.748 | 0 | 0 |
Rubber | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1.1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Other pollutant | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Glass | 50 | 1.36 | 18 | 2.573 | 60 | 13.96 | 5 | 1.75 |
Feces | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total | 726 | 16.758 | 630 | 15.486 | 580 | 31.3923 | 159 | 4.723 |