A temporal assessment of anthropogenic marine debris on sandy beaches from Ecuador’s southern coast

Anthropogenic marine debris (AMD) is an environmental pollution that affects life, human health, wellbeing, and the economy. This litter can deposit in coastlines, particularly on tidal zones beaches. To pursue future mitigation strategies to reduce AMD important monitor amount, type frequency of being dumped shores. study presents composition, temporal distribution, abundance size three sandy beaches from Guayas province, Ecuador. The field data was recollected December 2018 February 2020. A total 12,362 items were collected with 1.95 macro-litter items/m 2 . composition marked by predominance plastic (91.8%), followed wood cloth (1.9%), while cigarettes only present village Our results suggest sites more are nearby small coastal villages fishing communities. Also, slightly higher at beginning dry season than rainy season. findings indicate it necessary implement concerted solid waste management measures proactive education programs empower local population, as well investigate anthropogenic sources other variables influencing coming onto