Exploring cigarette butts pollution in Vung Tau beaches: A case study in Vietnam

Cigarette butts (CBs), alongside other plastic items, are widely recognized as a significant source of marine litter in coastal areas worldwide. This research is the first to examine CB pollution, offering valuable insights into its impact across various beaches in Vung Tau, Vietnam. A total of 512 CBs were collected, with an average density of 0.085 ± 0.025 CBs m⁻². The cigarette butt pollution index (CBPI) values indicated two pollution levels: 8.3 % classified as extremely low and 91.7 % as low. Cellulose acetate (CA) filters are considered a common hazardous item due to their widespread use, improper disposal, and associated risks. The hazardous items index (HII) ranged from 0.423 to 1.350 items m⁻², with a mean of 1.041 items m⁻². Our investigation revealed that human activities drive coastal pollution, with the tourism industry contributing the highest abundance of littered CBs, largely due to common activities by the tourism industry and residents. The inputs from this investigation will help enrich the limited information on CB characteristics, sources, and pollution levels along the Vung Tau coast. It will also support efforts to address common single-use plastics (SUPs) and manage tourist activities on the country's beaches. Addressing these concerns requires policy frameworks, community engagement campaigns, and social participation. A practical and effective strategy to mitigate this pollution should be toward a circular economy approach, which focuses on reducing, reusing, and recycling CB plastic waste. Implementing powerful waste management practices and promoting environmentally sustainable products can mitigate CB contamination risks in essential marine areas and sensitive coastal ecosystems.