Coastal Water Quality and its Effect on Beach Erosion: A Case Study

M. M. Varma
Juan Alfaro


DOI: 10.2190/Y4BC-3H01-K45W-7Q6D

Abstract

Beaches in Barbados are eroding at an average rate of 6 percent per year. Comparatively, the erosion on the west coast is less than the south coast because groynes and other protective measures are successfully maintaining the integrity of the beaches. Untreated and/or partially treated wastewater discharged into the coastal region has deteriorated the on-shore water quality. This has resulted in decay of coral reef, thus permitting greater wave energy to hit the off shore structures leading to shore erosion and other damages to buildings on the shore.

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