Browsing by Author "Mhando, Magao"

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    Characterization of types and assessment of sources of litter found along beaches of Dar es Salaam.
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2008) Mhando, Magao
    This study involved assessing, characterization and establishing the sources of litter found along selected Dar es Salaam beaches experiencing intense and low human perturbations. Mikadi and Ocean Road beaches used for recreation had significantly larger amount of litter than the rarely used beaches such as Mji mwema which is also located far away from residential areas, suggesting that humans were the main agents for beach litter production and transport. Plastic materials were found to dominate the litter on all beaches probably due to their wide use by people, their persistence in the environment and their weightlessness, which enable plastic material to be easily carried by people, wind and water from one place to another. Msasani beach also had a large amount of litter because of its proximity of the beach to residential areas and a river outflow. The configuration of the Dar es Salaam coastline which consist of peninsular and offshore islands, shelters the beaches from receiving marine litter and the effects of the northerly flowing East African Coastal current which would have otherwise dumped some marine litter on the beaches. Waste management in Dar es Salaam city needs to be improved if clean beaches are to be realized and maintained. Also, education to the general public and school children is needed to help raise awareness and to change people's attitudes and behaviors regarding littering.