Assessment of Macroplastic Pollution on Selected Tourism Beaches of Barobo, Surigao Del Sur, Philippines

Inocente, Sherley Ann T.; Bacosa, Hernando P.

doi:10.21463/jmic.2022.11.1.14

Cited by 10 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…It has been identified as an emerging issue that may impact biological diversity and human health alongside climate change (Blettler et al 2017). The number of data in the Philippines on plastic pollution in freshwaters is limited when compared to studies on marine ecosystems, even though pollution in both ecosystems is comparable (Peng et al 2017;Superio and Abreo 2020;Inocente and Bacosa 2022;Sajorne et al 2022). Requiron and Bacosa (2022) studied macroplastics in Pulauan River, Dapitan City, where a total of 1,636 macroplastics items were identified for 10 days of observation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microplastics in surface water of Laguna de Bay: first documented evidence on the largest lake in the Philippines

Arcadio

Navarro

Similatan

et al. 2022

Environ Sci Pollut Res

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The pollution of aquatic systems by microplastics is a well-known environmental problem. However, limited studies have been conducted in freshwater systems, especially in the Philippines. Here, we determined for the first time the amount of microplastics in the Philippines’ largest freshwater lake, the Laguna de Bay. Ten (10) sampling stations on the lake’s surface water were sampled using a plankton net. Samples were extracted and analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A total of 100 microplastics were identified from 10 sites with a mean density of 14.29 items/m 3 . Most microplastics were fibers (57%), while blue-colored microplastics predominated in the sampling areas (53%). There were 11 microplastic polymers identified, predominantly polypropylene (PP), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which together account for 65% of the total microplastics in the areas. The results show that there is a higher microplastic density in areas with high relative population density, which necessitates implementing proper plastic waste management measures in the communities operating on the lake and in its vicinity to protect the lake's ecosystem services. Furthermore, future research should also focus on the environmental risks posed by these microplastics, especially on the fisheries and aquatic resources.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microplastics in surface water of Laguna de Bay: first documented evidence on the largest lake in the Philippines

Arcadio

Navarro

Similatan

et al. 2022

Environ Sci Pollut Res

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“…This perception of respondents agrees with the litter quantities registered and collected. Furthermore, the perception of plastic packaging as the most common type of litter has found out to be true based on sampling collections (Inocente and Bacosa 2022). A clear relationship between litter pollution level and perception of beaches users also was reported by Garcés-Ordóñez et al Respondents recognized tourists as the main marine litter source on touristic beaches of Barobo, Surigao del Sur, which is closely associated with use of different types of macrolitter by tourist that were identified in the characterization like food packaging, cigarettes and plastic cups (Table 5).…”

Section: Perception Of Users On Marine Litter Pollution On the Beachesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perception and Awareness of Marine Plastic Pollution in Selected Tourism Beaches of Barobo, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

INOCENTE,

GUTIERREZ,

SISON

et al. 2023

J. Environ Manag Tour

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Tourism is a significant economic activity in coastal communities, but when badly managed, it degrades the health of the marine-coastal ecosystem, increasing litter pollution and repels beach visitors. This study aims to assess the tourism impact on litter pollution on four growing tourism beaches of Barobo, Surigao del Sur, Philippines. Plastic litters were sampled from four tourism sites (Cabgan Island, Turtle Island, Dapdap Beach, Panaraga Beach) of Barobo by establishing transect lines with quadrats. Those who agreed to participate in perception and knowledge tests about marine debris were interviewed at the aforementioned beaches. Respondents was generally aware of marine pollution problems, specifically marine pollution relating to human and ecological health. Respondents identified tourism as a main litter source and plastic packaging as the most common litter type, which is true based on macrolitter collection. Because tourism causes plastic pollution on all of the beaches studied, stronger regulations, educational, and awareness efforts are crucial to reduce litter pollution and avert ecological and socioeconomic consequences. Structured Abstract: Purpose: Tourism plays a big role in the economic status of a country. It provides livelihood to the community and helps in poverty elevation. But tourism also brings pollution, i.e., plastic pollution, if not properly managed. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the perception and awareness of tourists on plastic pollution and its impacts on tourism. Design/methodology/approach: The study was limited to surveys and key informant interviews (KII) since fora and assemblies are not allowed due to pandemic health protocols. Survey sampling was done simultaneously with the macroplastic collection from July 10 to August 12, 2021. Convenience sampling design was used, and data was collected on willing individuals present in the area. The awareness questionnaire used the Likert Scale method, while the individual perception used multiple choice or open-ended questions. Statistical data analysis was performed using SPSS and Microsoft excel. Findings: A total of 105 willing individuals were legally part of this study. Of the 105 respondents surveyed, 70 of which are tourists from island beaches and 35 are from mainland beaches. Respondents were generally aware of most issues presented to them. The top issues that the respondents relate the most are related to plastic effects on health and environment. The majority of the surveyed tourists on island beaches perceived high macrolitter pollution, while those on mainland beaches perceived low pollution. This perception of respondents agrees with the litter quantities registered and collected. Furthermore, the perception of plastic packaging as the most common type of litter has been found out to be true based on sampling collections. Tourists on the beaches of Barobo are aware of the problem of marine litter and see the tourism sector as a source of waste, notably plastics. Originality: This research paper submitted by us is an outcome of our independent and original work. We have duly acknowledged all the sources from which the ideas and extracts have been taken. The paper is free from any plagiarism and has not been submitted elsewhere for publication.

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“…The Philippines is ranked as the third largest emitter of plastic waste into the ocean and the most significant contributor to plastic emissions from riverine sources [ 27 , 28 ]. Plastic litter or macroplastics has been documented in seagrass beds [ 29 ], on beaches [ 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ], on seabeds [ 34 ], and in riverine systems [ 35 , 36 ]. Persistent plastics can be estimated to degrade over a hundred years; however, they can disintegrate into microplastics (less than 5 mm) and nanoplastics (less than 100 nm) over shorter periods, making it easier for biota to absorb them throughout the food chain [ 37 , 38 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Riverine Microplastic Pollution: Insights from Cagayan de Oro River, Philippines

Gabriel

Amparado

Lubguban

et al. 2023

IJERPH

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Rivers are vital water sources for humans and homes for aquatic organisms. Conversely, they are well known as the route of plastics into the ocean. Despite being the world’s number one emitter of riverine plastics into the ocean, microplastics (MPs), or plastic particles less than 5 mm, in the Philippines’ rivers are relatively unexplored. Water samples were collected from six sampling stations along the river channel of the Cagayan de Oro River, one of the largest rivers in Northern Mindanao, Philippines. The extracted microplastics’ abundance, distribution, and characteristics were analyzed using a stereomicroscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed a mean concentration of 300 items/m3 of MPs dominated by blue-colored (59%), fiber (63%), 0.3–0.5 mm (44%), and polyacetylene (48%) particles. The highest concentration of microplastics was recorded near the mouth of the river, and the lowest was in the middle area. The findings indicated a significant difference in MP concentration at the sampling stations. This study is the first assessment of microplastic in a river in Mindanao. The results of this study will aid in formulating mitigation strategies for reducing riverine plastic emissions.

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Assessment of Macroplastic Pollution on Selected Tourism Beaches of Barobo, Surigao Del Sur, Philippines

Cited by 10 publications

References 25 publications

Microplastics in surface water of Laguna de Bay: first documented evidence on the largest lake in the Philippines

Microplastics in surface water of Laguna de Bay: first documented evidence on the largest lake in the Philippines

Perception and Awareness of Marine Plastic Pollution in Selected Tourism Beaches of Barobo, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Riverine Microplastic Pollution: Insights from Cagayan de Oro River, Philippines

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