Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on solid waste pollution in the worldwide iconic Copacabana Beach (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil).

ABSTRACT

Total and partial restrictions to beach access during COVID-19 pandemic created an opportunity to evaluate its effect on coastal pollution. We aimed to determine the impact of access restrictions on solid waste pollution at Copacabana beach, Brazil. Solid waste amount was analyzed considering beach access restrictions unrestricted, total closure, partial restriction, new normal. Relationships of atmospheric temperature and precipitation with access restrictions were assessed and confounding effects controlled for further analyses. Beach access restrictions significantly reduced solid waste pollution at Copacabana beach, beach closure reduced waste amount in 72 %. Partial restrictions and new normal periods have significantly reduced solid wastes amount on the beach in 60 % and 36.88 %, respectively. Qualitative data revealed that most of solid wastes were single-use plastics recently disposed at Copacabana beach, reflecting beachgoer's effects on waste left on the beach. A positive impact of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions was detected on solid waste pollution at Copacabana beach.