Socioeconomic profile and environmental perception of Amazon beach users about solid waste.

Abstract

Studies on environmental perception can contribute to managing solid waste on beaches, as they elucidate the nuances of the interaction between humans and the environment, highlighting the necessary transformations aligned with user preferences. The objective was to determine the socioeconomic profile of users and identify these actors environmental perceptions of solid waste of bathers on the beaches of Rio Negro and identify their environmental perception about the incorrect disposal of solid waste in these environments. Interviews were conducted on Ponta Negra, Lua, Tupé and Paricatuba beaches. Women predominated on Ponta Negra and Lua beaches, and men on Paricatuba and Tupé. On the Tupé and Lua beaches, people between 31 and 40 years old stood out. The majority (70%) responded that they completed high school and received up to two minimum wages. Users frequent Ponta Negra beach during the high-water season and the naturally formed beaches in the low waters of the Rio Negro. Most seek out beaches as leisure and consider cleanliness an essential factor. More than 80% stated that they do not leave trash on the beach, in practice, this information was not observed. Plastic was the main item reported. We evidenced that users have little awareness regarding environmental education on Amazon beaches and that educational actions must be carried out.