Adel Alshawafi, Mohamed Analla, Ebrahim Alwashali, Mustapha Aksissou,
Assessment of marine debris on the coastal wetland of Martil in the
North-East of Morocco, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 117, Issues
1–2, 15 April 2017, Pages 302-310, ISSN 0025-326X,
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.01.079.
(http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X17301078)
Abstract: Abstract
Plastic waste at the coastal wetland in Martil beach in the North-East
of Morocco is one of the problems that have appeared recently. This
study aims to characterize the marine debris in the coast of Martil
during the year 2015. The sampling is seasonally by type and size. The
result shows, for the macro debris, the abundance of plastic (57%),
lumber and paper (21.93%), cloth and fabric (7.8%), glass (5.42%), metal
(4.40%), and rubber (3.4%). Micro debris is also present in the area in
several forms such as wood, plants, and others by 75,63%. This was
followed by the foam (26,95%), line (7,8%), and the film (1,23%). The
seasonal variation (S1: January–March and S3: July to September) are the
most polluted months of the year. The sources of marine debris are
mainly tourism (beach users), land (run off), and commercial fishing in
the four seasons of the year.
Keywords: Plastic waste; Biodegradation; Marine pollution; Martil; Morocco