Mongabay · Climate & nature

Cigarette butts are a major source of aquatic litter globally

A global review of 130 studies from 55 countries found that cigarette butts constitute approximately 12% of litter in aquatic environments.

Researchers analyzed data collected between 2013 and 2024, revealing an average density of one cigarette butt per 4 square meters across surveyed ecosystems. In aquatic settings, this proportion rose to about one in nine pieces of litter.

Some coastal sites in Iran, Chile, Brazil, and Peru reported that over half of all collected litter consisted of cigarette butts.

Cigarette filters, made of cellulose acetate plastic, can degrade into microplastics. The remaining parts of the butt can release toxic substances like heavy metals, PAHs, and nicotine into water, posing severe toxic effects on aquatic animals.

Beaches were identified as primary litter hotspots, likely due to their use as recreational areas. The study found that the top 5% of litter hotspots were predominantly beaches across 17 countries.

Smoking bans on beaches were highlighted as an effective measure to reduce cigarette butt litter. Countries like Malaysia, Spain, Mexico, and Italy have seen success with such bans, particularly when accompanied by fines.

Protected areas showed significantly less cigarette butt litter, with nearly five times fewer butts per square meter compared to unprotected sites. However, even protected areas were not entirely free of this type of litter.

The review emphasizes that reducing cigarette consumption is key to mitigating this environmental pollution, offering a dual benefit of improved human health and reduced litter production.

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