Identifying marine debris source position using adjoint marginal sensitivity method and stranded beach litter data in...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Oceanography
• Pollution Studies

Background:

• Marine debris movement is a complex, transboundary issue, with debris accumulating on coastlines worldwide.
• Stranded beach litter poses a significant environmental challenge, impacting coastal ecosystems and aesthetics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the release sources of marine debris found along Singapore's coastlines.
• To validate analytical findings using citizen science data and other environmental factors.
• To explore the potential of citizen science for long-term marine debris monitoring and policy influence.

Main Methods:

• Application of a time-backward adjoint marginal sensitivity method to trace debris origins.
• Integration of citizen science data from voluntary beach clean-up groups.
• Validation using population density, industry types, rainfall data, and product packaging analysis.

Main Results:

• A popular tourist hotspot on an opposite shore was identified as a probable release source for accumulated marine debris.
• Analytical results were corroborated by demographic, industrial, and meteorological data.
• Citizen science data proved valuable for baseline monitoring and cross-border research insights.

Conclusions:

• Citizen science data offers a powerful tool for understanding marine debris dynamics and informing policy.
• Identifying release sources is crucial for effective marine debris management strategies.
• Future research should incorporate monsoon effects and instantaneous release events for a comprehensive understanding.