Summary
This observational study examined plastic transport dynamics in the Odaw river (Accra, Ghana) during the dry season (March–May 2021) using visual monitoring at four bridges and correlation analysis with hydrometeorological variables. The authors demonstrate a spatial gradient in environmental drivers: tidal dynamics dominate plastic transport closest to the river mouth, whilst rainfall and river discharge are more influential upstream. The findings contribute to understanding non-linear plastic transport mechanisms in urbanised river systems and suggest that long-term monitoring is necessary to resolve inconsistent correlations between plastic transport and hydrometeorological variables.
UK applicability
Whilst Ghana's tropical climate and tidal estuary characteristics differ from many UK river systems, the methodological approach to monitoring plastic transport and the identification of hydrometeorological drivers could inform monitoring strategies for UK urban rivers with tidal reaches, particularly those draining densely populated areas. However, UK precipitation patterns and river discharge regimes would require local calibration of the identified correlations.
Key measures
Visual counting of plastic items at four bridge monitoring points; correlations between plastic transport and rainfall, tidal dynamics, and river discharge; estimated daily plastic mass transport (kg/d)
Outcomes reported
The study quantified plastic transport in the Odaw river, Ghana, identifying tidal dynamics as the primary driver of plastic movement near the river mouth and rainfall/discharge as dominant drivers upstream. Daily plastic mass transport was estimated at 1.4–3.8 × 10² kg/d.
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