Types and Number of Solid Wastes in Lohdalam Beach, Koh Phi Phi Don

Abstract

               The problem of solid wastes on the beach has been increases. The Waste disposal can be a major despoiler of the natural environment, scenic areas, and also quality of tourism experience. The objectives of this research were to 1) study types and number of solid wastes in Lohdalum Beach, Koh Phi Phi Don, 2) identify the factors influencing number of solid wastes in study area. The research was conducted during September 2013 to February 2014 covering weekdays, weekends, and long weekends. The result showed that, according to 15,000 square meters of study area, the average litter retained on the beach was 5.14 items/100 m²/day. The majority of waste was plastic items including plastics bottle, plastic bag, plastics glass, respectively. There were four important factors effecting number solid wastes including recreation activities, facility, time, and day type. The wastes were highly founded in sunbathe zone (7.15 items/100 m²/day), sunbed zone (6.56 items/100 m²/day), night time (6.72 items/100 m²) and long weekends (10.28 items/100 m²/day). This area were those most number contaminated, reaching levels "C" Unacceptable. The results highlighted the need for tourism management that more concern about waste cleaning on sunbathe and sunbed zone and also at night time after all the bar closed. Additionally, an interpretation program education about the impacts of solid wastes theme is requires.

Keywords: solid wastes, Lohdalum Beach, Koh Phi Phi Don