Riverbank macrolitter in the Dutch Rhine–Meuse delta

摘要: Anthropogenic litter in aquatic ecosystems negatively impacts ecosystems, species and economic activities. Rivers play a key role transporting land-based waste towards the ocean. A large portion however is retained within river basins, for example estuary, sediments on riverbanks. To effectively identify sources, sinks transport mechanisms, reliable data are crucial. Furthermore, such can support optimizing prevention mitigation clean-up efforts. This paper presents results of 2-year monitoring campaign focused riverbank macrolitter (>0.5 cm) Dutch Rhine-Meuse delta. Between 2017 2019, volunteers sampled 152 415 items at 212 unique locations. All were categorized based River-OSPAR method (based OSPAR beach guidelines), which includes 110 specific item categories across ten parent categories. The median density was 2060 items/km, most observed foam, hard, soft plastic fragments (55.8%). Plastic bottles, food wrappings packaging, caps, lids cotton swabs abundant items. vary considerably between rivers, along river, over time. For both rivers however, highest values found Belgian (Meuse) German (Rhine) borders, Biesbosch National Park, downstream location. With this paper, we aim to provide first scientific overview abundance, top categories, spatiotemporal variation anthropogenic riverbanks In addition, evaluate used suggestions future implementation (inter)national long-term strategies. be by scientists policy-makers monitoring,