Assessing the presence of plastics and other garbage in the major beaches along the south-eastern coast of Bangladesh

Abstract Plastic has become omnipresent due to its distinct characteristics and accessibility, playing a pivotal role in the escalation of plastic contamination. Plastic contamination yields a range of adverse repercussions, encompassing both ecological and socioeconomic implications, as well as heightened risks to biodiversity and trophic interconnections. Beach plastic pollution exerts a detrimental influence on coastal ecology and neighbouring tourist destinations. The Quadrant Method was implemented in six distinct coastal areas to assess plastic debris within the research zone. Based on the abundance of beach plastics, these can be categorised as Polybags> Plastic Items> Plastic Containers> Cigarette Stub> Fishing Equipment> and Rope. Polybags were found at the highest rate (33.33%) within the study area. As plastic abundance is identified in different beaches, it will help study the long-term effects of plastic pollution on marine life and the effectiveness of various cleanup strategies in mitigating these impacts.