Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 20, 2026

Data Collection on Marine Litter Ingestion in Sea Turtles and Thresholds for Good Environmental Status
Published on: May 18, 2019
Wind, waves, tides, and human error? - Influences on litter abundance and composition on German North Sea coastlines:
Rosanna Isabel Schöneich-Argent1, Frank Hillmann1, Daniel Cordes2
1Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), Geoecology, ICBM-Terramare, Schleusenstr. 1, 26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany.
Abstract:
Being globally and locally prevalent, beach litter has been monitored at 29 sites along the German North Sea coastline. This study offers an exploratory analysis of data from 1991 to 2016. Schleswig-Holstein exhibited lower mean litter pollution levels than Lower Saxony, possibly because the locations in Lower Saxony are situated along the main coastal current, whereas the North Frisian Islands act as a barrier for the mainland sites in Schleswig-Holstein. Locations close to the Elbe estuary had significantly larger amounts of debris, likely receiving litter from marine and riverine sources. No clear overall pattern in litter abundance or composition could be detected. Significant quantitative similarities between debris types were inconsistent. The effect of wind, tides, and exposure appeared to be marginal. Recurring data inconsistencies, gaps, and outliers were partly attributed to human error. This could be reduced through hypothesis-driven monitoring with a simpler litter classification and continuous data checking.
Related Concept Videos
Three-Winding Transformers
In the per-unit equivalent circuit of a grounded Y-Y three-phase...
Systematic Error: Methodological and Sampling Errors
Sampling errors originate from improper sampling methods or the wrong sample population. These errors can be minimized by refining the sampling strategy. Defective instruments or faulty calibrations are the sources of instrumental...
Fundamental Attribution Error
The Wave Nature of Light
Random Error
Margin of Error

