Macroplastic Pollution in Mangrove Ecosystems of Baganga, Davao Oriental, Philippines

Abstract

Plastic debris accumulates readily in mangrove forests because complex aerial roots and low-energy intertidal conditions retain materials transported from land and sea. This study quantified the abundance, mass, composition, and spatial variation of macroplastic debris in mangrove sites in Barangays Lucod and Kinablangan, Baganga, Davao Oriental, Philippines. Field surveys were conducted along three transects subdivided into sampling plots. Debris items larger than 5 mm were counted, classified, and weighed, while field observations and geotagged photographs were used to document their distribution and possible sources. Lightweight consumer packaging, particularly food wrappers, cellophane, and plastic bottles, dominated item abundance, whereas sacks, rubber materials, and miscellaneous bulky debris contributed disproportionately to total mass. The findings support source reduction, improved collection services, fishing-gear recovery, stronger controls on dumping, and regular mangrove cleanups and monitoring.