We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Plastic waste characteristics and community responses in mangrove-influenced coastal villages of Kampung Laut, Cilacap, Indonesia
AI summary Read the abstract
This study characterized plastic waste composition and community responses in three mangrove-influenced Indonesian coastal villages using field surveys and a Knowledge-Attitude-Practice framework. Single-use polypropylene and polyethylene dominated the waste, and while knowledge influenced attitudes, sociodemographic constraints limited the translation of awareness into pro-environmental behavior.
Abstract. Astuti AR, Putri DS, Arlysia V, Santika YE, Safitri FE, Setyawan AD. 2025. Plastic waste characteristics and community responses in mangrove-influenced coastal villages of Kampung Laut, Cilacap, Indonesia. Indo Pac J Ocean Life 9: 36-45. Plastic pollution presents a significant threat to coastal and mangrove ecosystems, particularly in low-income and infrastructure-deficient regions of Southeast Asia. This study investigates the composition of plastic waste and the perceptions and behaviors of local communities in three mangrove-influenced villages of Kampung Laut Sub-district, Cilacap, Indonesia. Field surveys conducted in 33 sampling plots revealed that plastic waste was predominantly composed of single-use items, especially polypropylene (PP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), reflecting both domestic consumption and livelihood-related activities such as fisheries and aquaculture. A structured questionnaire grounded in the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) framework was administered to 91 respondents. Statistical analyses, including Principal Component Analysis, Pearson correlation, and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), were employed to explore the relationships among cognitive and behavioral variables. The results indicated that knowledge significantly influenced attitudes, which were positively associated with pro-environmental behavior; however, knowledge alone did not directly predict action. Sociodemographic constraints—particularly low education and income levels—further limited behavioral change despite moderate awareness. Comparisons with regional and global studies suggest that such gaps are common in coastal communities. These findings underscore the need for integrated waste governance strategies that combine education, infrastructure, and locally adapted regulations, alongside stronger integration between plastic waste management and mangrove conservation efforts.
More Papers Like This
Analysis of Plastic Waste Management among Rural Residents in Kuala Penyu, Sabah, Malaysia
AI summary Read the abstract
UVC irradiation induced photooxidative degradation of low-density polyethylene microplastics, causing measurable structural and thermal alterations detectable by spectroscopic analysis. Understanding how UV exposure transforms microplastic properties is important for predicting their environmental persistence, fragmentation behavior, and potential toxicity in surface water and soil environments.
Local Community Awareness Based on KAP Model Towards Plastic Pollution in Mangroves Area at Tanjong Karang, Selangor
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed 430 residents near mangrove forests in Malaysia and found that people who understood plastic pollution's dangers were also more likely to have positive attitudes and better waste habits, like proper disposal. This matters because mangroves act as natural filters and nurseries for seafood, so when plastic waste piles up there, it can break down into microplastics that eventually end up in the fish and shellfish we eat. The takeaway: boosting public education about plastic pollution could be a powerful, low-cost way to protect both coastal ecosystems and the food chain that connects back to our dinner plates.
Characteristics of plastic waste and perceptions of coastal communities in the MLC Baluno mangrove ecotourism area, West Sulawesi, Indonesia
AI summary Read the abstract
A survey of plastic waste characteristics and coastal community perceptions in a mangrove ecotourism area in West Sulawesi, Indonesia found widespread plastic pollution threatening both marine ecosystems and local livelihoods. Community awareness and disposal behaviors were also documented to inform management strategies.
Community knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards plastic pollution in Pujada Bay, Philippines: Relevance for UNESCO world heritage site nomination
AI summary Read the abstract
A survey of 366 residents near Pujada Bay in the Philippines found high awareness of plastic pollution's environmental and health impacts but moderate understanding of microplastic sources and a significant knowledge-behavior gap in waste management practices. Bridging this gap through targeted education is crucial for protecting this UNESCO World Heritage candidate site from ongoing plastic contamination threatening marine biodiversity.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices towards Plastic Pollution among Malaysians
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward plastic pollution among 294 Malaysian respondents via an online survey, using descriptive statistics, KAP scoring, and cross-tabulation to evaluate variation across sociodemographic groups. The study found that while awareness of plastic pollution was present, gaps between knowledge and actual waste reduction behavior persisted across the surveyed population.
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.