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Beach Litter Sourcing in the Bristol Channel and Wales, U.K.

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Abstract

Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis werecarried out on beach litter found primarily along theBristol Channel, U.K., together with beaches located aroundthe Principality of Wales. Both techniques indicated threebeach survey sites as outliers, with distinctive beachlitter profiles. PCA distinguished between riverine, sewagerelated, fishing and shipping sourced items, but did notproduce a coherent grouping for beach user litter. This wasattributed to a difference in modes of transport. Beachesfrom mid and north Wales, which had small litter amounts,were not differentiated from the central grouping. Thewestern edge of the Channel was more heavily influenced byshipping and fishing inputs than was the eastern portion.Cluster analysis showed a discrete group of beaches locatedmainly on the southern side of the Bristol Channel.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Applied Sciences, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, Wales, U.K

    A. T. Williams

  2. Air Terra Water Ltd, Beach Road, Porthcawl, Wales, U.K

    D. T. Tudor

  3. School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, U.K. (author for correspondence

    P. Randerson

Authors
  1. A. T. Williams
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  2. D. T. Tudor
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  3. P. Randerson
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Correspondence to P. Randerson.

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Williams, A.T., Tudor, D.T. & Randerson, P. Beach Litter Sourcing in the Bristol Channel and Wales, U.K.. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution 143, 387–408 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022808908500

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