We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Assessment of Macroplastic Litter on the Coastal Seabeds of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao Del Norte, Philippines
Summary
Researchers assessed the prevalence, types, and density of macroplastic litter in the coastal seabeds of Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Philippines, using 100-meter transect lines with quadrat sampling across four sites including residential, mangrove, tourism, and non-residential areas. Results showed all four sites were contaminated with plastic litter, with the residential site (Pikalawag) having the highest density at 1.32 items per square meter, and food packaging, plastic fragments, and plastic bags being the dominant waste types dominated by LDPE polymer.
Plastic pollution is an arising problem of our generation. Tons of plastics are globally produced affecting different coastal ecosystems. Plastics pile and end up in coastal areas, at the ocean surface, and in the coastal seabed. Almost 70% of plastics made are known to eventually sink in water, and it is suspected that ever-increasing amounts of plastics are accumulating in seabed sediments. However, there are limited studies on macroplastics in coastal seabeds in the different coastal ecosystems in the Philippines. This study aims to determine the prevalence, types, and density of macroplastic litters in the coastal seabed of Sultan Naga Dimaporo (SND), Lanao del Norte. A 100-m transect line with four quadrats measuring 5 m x 5 m, was delineated parallel to the seabed at the beaches of Barangay Pikalawag, Dabliston, Koreo and Sugod. Results revealed that all four sites were contaminated with plastic litter in which 55% were from Pikalawag, a residential area, 16% from Dabliston, a mangrove area, 15% from Sugod, a beach/tourism area, and 14% from Koreo, a non-residential area. The plastic density was 1.32 items/m2 for Pikalawag, and 0.32 to 0.37 items/m2 for the other areas. The waste collected was primarily food packaging (17%), plastic fragments (16%), and plastic bags (11%). The highest polymer type was LDPE (40%) followed by both multilayers (13%) and PET (13%). Based on the clean coast-index, Pikalawag can be categorized as extremely dirty while the other three sites were moderately clean. Overall, this study showed how the prevalence and composition of plastic litter vary in different coastal seabeds in SND, Lanao del Norte.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Spatial and vertical distribution of microplastics in mangrove sediment in the southern Philippines
This study mapped microplastic contamination in the sediments of three mangrove forests in Mindanao, Philippines, finding particles at all sites with counts ranging from 83 to 2,250 items per kilogram depending on location. Fragment shapes dominated near one river mouth while fibers dominated at a coastal site, and polypropylene was the most common polymer overall. Microplastic levels and types appeared linked to local economic activity, fishing, and waste management practices. The findings provide baseline data for protecting these ecologically important coastal ecosystems.
Characterisation of Macro-plastic Waste Along the Philippines' Longest Coastal Boulevard: Basis for Solid Waste Management and Policy Formulation
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.
Assessment of Macroplastic Pollution on Selected Tourism Beaches of Barobo, Surigao Del Sur, Philippines
Researchers assessed macroplastic pollution on tourism beaches in Barobo, Philippines, finding substantial litter accumulation dominated by single-use plastics, with contamination levels raising concerns for marine ecosystems and tourism viability in a country that ranks among the world's largest contributors to ocean plastic pollution.
Unraveling Macroplastic Pollution in Rural and Urban Beaches in Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape, Mindanao, Philippines
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.
Plastic waste occurrence on a beach off southwestern Luzon, Philippines
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.