Evaluating cigarette butt pollution: Insights from Cox's Bazar Sea beach of Bangladesh

Cigarette butts (CBs) have serious harmful effects on the environment and living organisms despite their small size. This research aims to investigate the abundance, densities and pollution status of CBs in Cox's Bazar Sea beach. The survey was conducted between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. in February 2...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine pollution bulletin 2023-12, Vol.197, p.115705, Article 115705
Main Authors: Howlader, Masum, Selim, Abu, Shuvo, Shah Newaz Alam, Islam, Md Monirul, Sultana, Tania, Moniruzzaman, Mohammad, Mia, Md. Sabit, Afrin, Sanjida, Akter, Nurunnahar, Rahman, Md. Habibur
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bangladesh
CBPI
Cigarette butts
HII
Sea Beach
Toxic chemical
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Summary:Cigarette butts (CBs) have serious harmful effects on the environment and living organisms despite their small size. This research aims to investigate the abundance, densities and pollution status of CBs in Cox's Bazar Sea beach. The survey was conducted between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. in February 2023, during the peak season of the year. A total of 13,988 CBs were collected, and the mean density was 0.388 m−2 and ranges from 0.195 to 0.689 m−2. The mean CBPI value was 7.78, which showed the “high pollution” status. According to CBPI analysis, 25 %, 41.67 %, 16.67 %, and 16.67 % were “severe pollution”, “considerable pollution”, “high pollution”, and “pollution” status, respectively. From HII values, 91.67 % beach fell within the “Class III” category, indicating abundant toxic CBs in the study area. A total of 13 brands were identified, of which Derby (19.31 %), B&H (18.54 %), and Star (11.26 %) were more abundant brands. These findings from this study aim to increase awareness of the harmful effects of cigarette butts discarded intentionally or unintentionally by smokers. [Display omitted] •Cigarette butts (CBs) are toxic to life and the environment despite their small size.•A total of 13,988 CBs were collected, with a mean density of 0.388 m−2.•The mean value of CBPI was 7.78, which showed the “high pollution” status.•From HII values, 91.67 % of beaches are in ‘Class III,’ denoting harmful CB abundance.•Long-term surveillance and strong policies are required to address the issues.
ISSN:0025-326X
1879-3363
1879-3363
DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115705