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Abundance, Characterization, and Distribution of Marine Litter in Samar, Philippines: A Comparison Between Mainland and Island Beaches
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A systematic beach litter survey in Samar, Philippines found plastic comprising 86% of mainland beach litter and 60% on island beaches, with shoreline recreational activities as the dominant source, revealing significant differences in contamination between coastal typologies. This study is directly relevant to microplastic research as high plastic litter density on Philippine beaches represents a major source of secondary microplastic generation through UV-driven fragmentation and mechanical weathering in the marine environment.
Marine litter is a growing global environmental issue that poses a significant threat to ecosystems, marine life, and human health. Although awareness of marine pollution has grown in the Philippines in recent years, knowledge of its impacts remains limited in some parts of the country. This study assesses the composition, sources, and clean-coast index (CCI) of marine litter on both mainland and island beaches in Samar. Marine litter was assessed by delineating a 100-meter transect and randomly selecting ten 2 m x 2 m quadrats for analysis. Results revealed higher litter densities on mainland beaches (1.14 items/m²) than on island beaches (1.00 items/m²), with plastics comprising 86% of the litter on mainland beaches and 60% on island beaches. Cleanliness ratings showed a wide range for mainland beaches, from clean to extremely dirty, while island beaches were rated as dirty to extremely dirty. The primary sources of litter were shoreline and recreational activities, contributing 75% of the total waste. These findings highlight differences in litter composition and density, underscoring the need for improved waste management, public education, and continuous monitoring. To effectively mitigate marine litter, coordinated efforts between communities and government agencies are crucial, with a focus on sustainable waste reduction.
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Abundance and distribution of anthropogenic marine litter in Hatiya and Nijhum Dwip Island, Bangladesh
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This study surveyed marine litter abundance and distribution on beaches of Hatiya and Nijhum Dwip Islands in Bangladesh, finding plastic as the dominant debris type at 47–61% of items depending on site. The study applied the Clean Coast Index to assess beach quality and recommended both short-term cleanup actions and long-term management frameworks to protect marine biodiversity.
Perception and Awareness of Marine Plastic Pollution in Selected Tourism Beaches of Barobo, Surigao del Sur, Philippines
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Researchers surveyed marine plastic litter on four tourism beaches in the Philippines and assessed local perceptions of marine pollution among beach visitors, finding significant litter accumulation that tourism management practices have failed to control. The study links beach litter levels to tourism activities and highlights the need for integrated coastal management.
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This study investigated marine debris abundance and characteristics on Lemukutan Island, Indonesia, during two monsoon transitional seasons, finding an average of 4.4 items/m² with plastics comprising 84.6% of debris by abundance. Ocean currents transporting debris toward the Pemangkat River estuary were identified as a key distribution mechanism, highlighting the need for improved waste management and public awareness.
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Researchers examined the ingestion of microplastic-sized fluorescent particles by filter-feeding bivalves and their subsequent clearance under different experimental conditions, finding that particle size and concentration influenced retention in gill tissue. The study provides controlled experimental evidence for microplastic retention mechanisms in bivalve filter feeders and informs understanding of dietary exposure dynamics in edible shellfish.
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.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.