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Macroplastic Accumulation in Coastal Communities of Iligan Bay, Philippines: A Reflection of the Municipal Solid Waste Management
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Researchers surveyed macroplastic litter across three coastal municipalities in Iligan Bay, Philippines, finding densities up to 1.04 items per square meter dominated by food packaging, plastic bottles, and bags, and linking accumulation to poor local waste management and informal disposal practices.
Marine plastic pollution has become a growing environmental concern, particularly in coastal regions where plastic waste directly threatens marine ecosystems and the socio-economic conditions of coastal communities. Despite this, limited studies have focused on macroplastic litter in the coastal areas of Southern Philippines, particularly the factors contributing to its accumulation, such as local waste management practices and community behaviors. This study assessed the prevalence, types, and density of macroplastics in three coastal municipalities along Iligan Bay: Naawan, Manticao, and Lugait. Results showed that macroplastic litter was abundant in all sites, with Lugait recording the highest density (1.04/m²), followed by Naawan (0.83/m²), and Manticao (0.80/m²). The most common waste items were food packaging (25%), plastic bottles (22%), and plastic bags (17%), resulting in Multilayers (30%), PET (25%), and PP (20%) as the most prevalent polymer types. Clean-coast-index (CCI) classified Lugait as an extremely dirty coast, while Naawan and Manticao were classified as dirty. The focus group discussion revealed that poor waste management and residents' disposal practices can be attributed to the abundance of macroplastics. Overall, this study highlights the critical need for targeted interventions by Local Government Units to improve waste management and mitigate macroplastic accumulation in Iligan Bay.
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Researchers documented plastic waste on a beach in southwestern Luzon, Philippines, finding high levels of macroplastic litter and establishing baseline microplastic contamination data for a country identified as one of the largest contributors of plastic waste to the ocean.
Characterisation of Macro-plastic Waste Along the Philippines' Longest Coastal Boulevard: Basis for Solid Waste Management and Policy Formulation
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Researchers characterized macro-plastic waste types and quantities along the Philippines' longest coastal boulevard, using density and cleanliness metrics as a basis for solid waste management and policy formulation. The study identified dominant plastic categories and spatial distribution patterns, providing empirical data to inform targeted waste management interventions and coastal protection policies.
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Researchers surveyed macroplastic pollution on urban and rural beaches in Sarangani Bay, Philippines, finding significantly higher plastic densities in urban areas (0.66 items/m2) compared to rural beaches (0.29 items/m2), with food packaging like polyethylene bags being the most prevalent litter type.
Understanding plastic-dependent urban coastal communities: Plastic handling practices and perceptions of urban villages of Iligan City, Philippines
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Researchers examined awareness, knowledge, and perceptions of marine macro- and microplastic pollution among 70 coastal community residents in Iligan City, Philippines, finding that despite general awareness, plastic handling practices remained inconsistent with pollution reduction goals.
Accumulation, Composition, Density, and Volume of Marine Litter on Palu Bay
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Researchers surveyed macro-debris accumulation at four coastal sites in Palu Bay, Indonesia, and found that residential and river-influenced sites accumulate heavier waste dominated by household items, while tourism zones generate higher item densities of lightweight single-use plastics — with plastic exceeding 94% of debris at tourism beaches.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.