Marine litter on Atlantic Ocean sandy beaches: Current state of knowledge by scientometric analysis and proposal for discussion of amelioration by coastal management

This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive review of marine litter of Atlantic sandy beaches. We performed a bibliometric analysis from 1970 to 2023 to identify patterns, flaws, and knowledge gaps. A total of 185 studies were found but only 126 were included in the analysis according to exclusion criteria adopted. The earliest studies on Atlantic beaches were registered in the 1980s, being Marine Pollution Bulletin the major journal. Among the countries bordering the Atlantic Ocean, the highest number of studies were carried out in Brazil, Portugal, Mexico, and Spain. A significant finding that emerged from our study was the lack of standardized methodology adopted for studying anthropogenic litter on sandy beaches. This lack of standardization makes it difficult to compare results across different years and areas, highlighting the need for the development of new techniques and means to standardize future studies. Our study also discussed strategies for minimizing the presence of litter on beaches via coastal management and climate changes. It emphasized the importance of review studies in identifying gaps and guiding integrated and shared actions across the Atlantic region. Overall, this comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the status of anthropogenic litter in beaches of the Atlantic and highlights the need for standardization and collaborative efforts to address this persistent problem. By integrating scientific research with effective coastal management strategies, we can strive towards reducing anthropogenic litter and preserving the health and beauty of the Atlantic sandy beaches and worldwide.

Keywords:
Beach litter monitoring; Coastal zone; Environmental management; Plastic pollution