Beach litter sourcing in the Bristol Channel and Wales, UK

Principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were carried out on beach litter found primarily along the Bristol Channel, U. K., together with beaches located around the Principality of Wales. Both techniques indicated three beach survey sites as outliers, with distinctive beach litter profiles. PCA distinguished between riverine, sewage related, fishing and shipping sourced items, but did not produce a coherent grouping for beach user litter. This was attributed to a difference in modes of transport. Beaches from mid and north Wales, which had small litter amounts, were not differentiated from the central grouping. The western edge of the Channel was more heavily influenced by shipping and fishing inputs than was the eastern portion. Cluster analysis showed a discrete group of beaches located mainly on the southern side of the Bristol Channel.