CARACTERIZAÇÃO GRAVIMÉTRICA DOS RESÍDUOS SÓLIDOS E PERCEPÇÃO AMBIENTAL DOS USUÁRIOS DA PRAIA DA PONTA NEGRA, MANAUS -AM

Abstract

The inadequate disposal of solid waste is a very common reality on Brazilian beaches, generating a major environmental problem, due to the lack of environmental awareness of the population. In this context, the present study aimed to carry out a gravimetric analysis of solid waste discarded on Ponta Negra beach and to evaluate the environmental perception of its users. The beach is located in the urban area of the city of Manaus-AM. Three collections and a technical visit were carried out to recognize the area and apply the questionnaire, between April and May 2019. The collection points were marked with the aid of a portable GPS. At each point, a transect 25 meters long and 15 meters wide (375 m²) was drawn, with a spacing of 100 meters between each point. All residue visible to the naked eye (>2 cm) was collected and separated according to its type of material. After weighing and counting, the waste was sent to the correct disposal sites present on site. The total sampling area was 1,875m2, the results were discussed based on descriptive statistics and the General Index method was applied, which covers all waste at the sampling points, and the Clean-Coast Index, which analyzes only plastic items. From the results of the gravimetric analysis, it was found that plastic is the most common solid waste on Ponta Negra Beach, with 42.90% of the total waste collected. The General Index method pointed all sample points as extremely dirty, however, the Clean Coast Index (CCI) method considered that the beach has clean and moderate points. The population's lack of environmental awareness is one of the factors responsible for the amount of waste incorrectly disposed of in the beach environment. In this way, we suggest actions of environmental education planned in a rational way and integrated with the population.