Awareness and perceptions on riverine plastic pollution and waste disposal practices among the local communities along Pulot River and its tributary in Sofronio Española, Palawan Island, Philippines: Implications on sustainable waste management

Riverine plastic pollution is a critical global concern, serving as the primary conduit for land-based plastic into marine environments and posing severe threats to ecosystems and human health. Effective mitigation strategies necessitate a deep understanding of local community awareness, perceptions, and waste management practices related to this pervasive, anthropogenically driven issue. This study assessed community awareness, perceptions, and waste-disposal behaviors regarding plastic pollution along the Pulot River and its tributaries in Palawan Island, Philippines. The findings reveal that while participants demonstrated a general awareness of pollution and perceived a moderate level of existing plastic pollution in the river, they concurrently anticipated significant increases in plastic litter on riverbanks and in water bodies over the next decade, following a notable rise in the past five years. Interestingly, despite identifying local residents as the primary source of pollution, respondents also reported high frequencies of environmentally friendly behaviors, such as recycling and waste segregation. This study highlights a significant disparity between community awareness, self-reported pro-environmental behaviors, and the perceived trend toward environmental improvement. The results highlight critical information gaps and behavioral nuances that policymakers and Local Government Units (LGUs) must address to develop targeted, effective mitigation strategies to reduce plastic pollution in the Pulot River.