Seasonal investigation of marine litter on beaches of Urla (Izmir/Turkey)

In this thesis; in recent years, the distribution of marine litter, which is increasing in number every day and creating a danger to health, economic, aesthetic and cultural aspects, has been examined. This study aims to determine the types and amounts of marine litter at Urla Kum Denizi Beach and Demircili Koyu Beach between October 2017- October 2018, to discuss the measures that may be taken to prevent the increase of these wastes and to help other studies in terms of evaluating the effects of these litter on public health and their social damages. A 2 meters of transects were placed at two sampling areas. All items in the transects greater than 2 centimeter diameter were collected by hand. The collected litter was classified according to UNEP and their quantities were determined. Finally, the solid waste density was determined and Clean Coast Index calculated. A total of 3,417 plastic wastes, weighing 90.81 kilograms, were collected from Kum Denizi Beach and Demircili Koyu Beach. Among the collected marine litter, plastic waste was found to be dominant (82%). According to the Clean Coast Index calculated periodically; Kum Denizi Beach was found to be clean and very clean, Demircili Koyu Beach was clean, mean, clean and dirty.