Plastic litter pollution along sandy beaches in Puerto Princesa, Palawan Island, Philippines

Occurrence of marine plastic litter and plasticizers from touristic beaches of Arauco Gulf in Central Chile

Marine plastic litter (MPL) was collected from beaches (n = 3) of the Arauco Gulf in central Chile in spring 2021 and summer 2022. MPL was analyzed for physical and chemical characteristics, and plasticizers were also screened using FTIR-ATR. Three hundred seventeen plastic items with an accumulated weight of 226.8 g were found. MPL densities ranged from 0.4 to 17.1 items m-2. Significant differences (p < 0.05) between seasons were observed for Arauco and Maule beaches, being ∼ten times higher in summer compared to spring. Solid pieces were the predominant shape, macroplastics were the most abundant (>2.5 cm), and white and blue colors were dominant. Polypropylene (52 %) and polyethylene (31 %) were the predominant polymers. Plasticizers (n = 3) were detected in the MPL in the study area (dioctyl phthalate, polybutene, and alpha-methylstyrene) for the first time. This study contributes new information related to MPL in coastal areas of central Chile and their chemical composition.

Leachates of weathering plastics from an urban sandy beach: Toxicity to sea urchin fertilization and early development

Plastic leachates have chemical and biological implications for marine environments. This study experimentally evaluated acute effects of weathering plastic leachates (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 %) on fertilization and early development of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus. Fertilization, embryonic and larval development were drastically inhibited (~75 %) when gametes were exposed to intermediate and high leachate concentrations or delayed when exposed to the lowest concentration. Fertilization and first cleavage stages were highly affected by exposure to intermediate and high leachate concentrations. None of the cells incubated at concentrations from 50 % reached blastula stage, suggesting that embryonic development was the most sensitive stage. Abnormalities in embryos and larvae were observed in all leachate treatments. Chemical analysis detected high concentration of bisphenol A, which may induce these observed effects. Our results highlight the potential threats of plastic pollution to sea urchin populations, which may severely affect the structure and functioning of coastal ecosystems.

Accumulation and exposure classifications of plastics in the different coastal habitats in the western Philippine archipelago

Studies consistently ranked the Philippines as one of the top contributors of plastic wastes leaking into the ocean. However, most of these were based on probabilities and estimates due to lack of comprehensive ground-truth data, resulting also in the limited understanding of the contributing factors and drivers of local pollution. This makes it challenging to develop science-driven and locally-contextualized policies and interventions to mitigate the problem. Here, 56 sites from different coastal habitats in the western Philippine archipelago were surveyed for macroplastics standing stock, representing geographic regions with varying demography and economic activities. Clustering of sites revealed three potential influencing factors to plastic accumulation: population density, wind and oceanic transport, and habitat type. Notably, the amount and types of dominant plastics per geographic region varied significantly. Single-use plastics (food packaging and sachets) were the most abundant in sites adjacent to densely populated and highly urbanized areas (Manila Bay and eastern Palawan), while fishing-related materials dominated in less populated and fishing-dominated communities (western Palawan and Bolinao), suggesting the local industries significantly contributing to the mismanaged plastics in the surveyed sites. Meanwhile, isolated areas such as islands were characterized by the abundance of buoyant materials (drinking bottles and hygiene product containers), emphasizing the role of oceanic transport and strong connectivity in the oceans. Exposure assessment also identified single-use and fishing-related plastics to be of "high exposure (Type 4)" due to their high abundance and high occurrence. These increase their chances of encountering and interacting with organisms and habitats, thus, resulting into more potential harm. This study is the first comprehensive work done in western Philippines, and results will help contextualize local pollution, facilitating more effective management and policymaking.

Beach litter occurrence along the shoreline of Mabini Protected Landscape and Seascape, Davao de Oro, Philippines

This study aimed to assess the occurrence of marine litter on selected beaches in Mabini Protected Landscape and Seascape, Davao de Oro, Philippines, where records have not been published yet. Beach litter was collected during low tide from four beaches in June 2023. Results revealed that plastics were the most abundant type of litter at 82.22 %. Most plastic materials sampled were plastic fragments and packaging at 37.72 % and 18.24 %, respectively. An independent t-test showed that rocky beaches had significantly higher litter density at 1.38 items m-2 than sandy beaches at 0.45 items m-2, t(10) = 4.281, p = 0.001. The present results indicated that the actual cleanliness of the Mabini coast is low, suggesting that clean-up strategies from various stakeholders are needed.

Microplastic ingestion by adult milkfish Chanos chanos (Forsskål, 1775) in aquaculture system: The case of Butuan Bay, Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago that relies on marine resources. Butuan Bay in the Philippines supports aquaculture, which can contribute to and can be impacted by plastic pollution. However, the microplastics (MP) in milkfish, an important aquaculture species in the area, are yet to be ascertained. This study determined the prevalence of microplastics in the surrounding seawater and in the gut of adult milkfish from cages in Butuan and Nasipit in Butuan Bay. Water samples in Nasipit and Butuan contain 0.20 items/L and 1.00 items/L, respectively. MPs in milkfish in Butuan (10.27 items/individual) were significantly higher than in Nasipit (5.40 items/individual). A total of 235 MPs in 29 out of 30 fish samples (97 %) from the two sites were detected. The dominant MP shape and color were fiber and blue, respectively. The presence of microplastics in the milkfish may indicate a possible risk to the fish species and human health.

Plastic debris, persistent organic pollutants and their toxicity impacts in coastal areas in Central Chile

The chemical components of plastic wastes have made their disposal a major economic, social, and environmental problem worldwide. This study evaluated the acute toxicity and genotoxicity of marine plastic debris on the beaches of Concepción Bay, Central Chile, taken during three periods (spring, summer, and winter). An integrated approach was used, including chemical and toxicological data, using the Microtox® test with Vibrio fischeri and SOS chromotest with Escherichia coli and concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The results presented here exclusively include the novel data obtained from the winter campaign, revealing high concentrations of PBDEs (238 ± 521 ng g-1). In addition, the genotoxicity and acute toxicity tests were sensitive for most of the samples studied. This investigation is the first attempt to analyse the toxicity of plastic debris in coastal areas along the Chilean coast.

Darwin's paradise contaminated by marine debris. Understanding their sources and accumulation dynamics.☆

Plastic pollution is a global environmental threat. Remote and pristine islands are not safe from this threat. Here, we estimated beach macro- (>25 mm), meso- (5-25 mm) and microdebris (<5 mm) levels in Galapagos and studied the role of environmental variables determining their accumulation. The vast majority of beach macro- and mesodebris were plastic, while most microdebris were cellulosic. The levels of beach macro-, meso- and microplastics were notably high and comparable with exceptional levels reported in contaminated areas. Oceanic currents and the anthropic pressure of use of the beach were the main factors that determined the level of macro- and mesoplastics, as well as the diversity of items, with more types of items in the beaches facing the predominant current. Microplastic levels were mainly driven by the slope and, to some extent, the grain size of the sediment in the beach. The absence of relationship between the levels of large size debris and the level of microplastics suggests that secondary microplastics that accumulated in the beaches were previously fragmented before arriving to the beach. This differential influence of environmental factors in the accumulation of marine debris according to their size should be taken into account when developing strategies to mitigate plastic pollution. Additionally, this study reports high levels of marine debris reported in a remote and protected area such as Galapagos, which are comparable to areas with direct sources of marine debris. This is especially worrying for Galapagos since the sampled beaches are cleaned at least annually. This fact highlights the global dimension of this environmental threat that demands further extensive international commitment to conserve some of the last paradises on Earth.

Breathing plastics in Metro Manila, Philippines: presence of suspended atmospheric microplastics in ambient air

Microplastics (< 5 mm) have lately been identified in the atmosphere of urban, suburban, and even distant places far from plastic particle areas, suggesting the possibility of long-distance atmospheric transport of microplastics. However, the occurrence, fate, transmission, and effects of these suspended atmospheric microplastics (SAMPs) are all currently unknown in the Philippines. This study investigated the presence of suspected microplastic in the atmosphere of sixteen cities and one municipality of Metro Manila, Philippines. Sampling was conducted using a respirable dust sampler mounted with a Whatman GF/C filter paper at an intake flow rate of 1.4 L/min with Whatman GF/C filter paper. Results reveal that all seventeen sampling areas have the presence of SAMPs. A total of 155 SAMPs were found and confirmed in Metro Manila, with the highest concentration in Muntinlupa City and Mandaluyong City (0.023 SAMP/NCM). Fourteen SAMP types were identified across the sampling areas, ⁓ 74% with polyester. This study is the first record of the presence of microplastics suspended in the ambient air in the Philippines. It is estimated that an adult person in Metro Manila has the potential to inhale (5-8 per minute, normal minute ventilation) about 1 SAMP if exposed for about 99.0 to 132 h. Further studies should be done to evaluate the fate and health effects of these SAMPs in Metro Manila's setting.

Unravelling macroplastic pollution in seagrass beds of Iligan City, Mindanao, Philippines

Despite being a leading pollutant in the ocean, there are limited studies about plastic litter in seagrasses, and none has been documented in the Philippines. This study determined the abundance and composition of macroplastics in seagrass beds of Iligan City, Philippines. Plastics were collected from transect lines laid in seagrass beds of four sites (Dalipuga, Hinaplanon, Tominobo and Buru-un), and three locations (landward, midward, seaward) in each site, periodically within 42 days. A total of 921 macroplastic items were collected in all sampling sites, of which 308 were from Buru-un, 271 from Tominobo, 240 from Dalipuga, and 102 from Hinaplanon. Landward areas have a significantly higher density than either midward or seaward. The first sampling was higher than the succeeding sampling period. Food packaging, plastic bags, and fragments predominated the litter in seagrass. This study is the first to document the presence of macroplastics in seagrass beds in the Philippines.

A temporal assessment of microplastics distribution on the beaches of three remote islands of the Yasawa archipelago, Fiji

This is the first study that investigated the presence, distribution, and composition of microplastics, MPs (1-5 mm) on beaches in the Yasawa Islands, Fiji. A temporal assessment over three years on six beaches was undertaken to investigate different beach traits on MP abundance. Average MP concentration was 4.5 ± 11.1 MPs·m^-2 with significantly higher concentrations were found on east-facing beaches than west (p < 0.001), and higher on the storm line compared to the high tide line (p < 0.001). No difference was found between tourist and local beaches (p = 0.21). These results demonstrate the role of current-driven ocean transport of plastic pollution in this part of The South Pacific. ATR FT-IR analysis showed that across all sites 34 % of MPs were polypropylene (PP), 33 % polystyrene (PS), 25 % polyethylene (PE), and 8 % other polymer types. Further studies are needed to assess the potential impacts of MPs on Fiji's coral reefs and marine life.

Anthropogenic litter on the macrotidal sandy beaches of the Amazon region

Coastal zones, which are strategic points of considerable importance to the tourism industry, are among the environments most affected by anthropogenic debris. Thus, it is crucial to monitor and implement management programs to provide immediate solutions. Here, we aimed to evaluate anthropogenic litter along 21 macrotidal sandy beaches in the Amazon region. Indices and multivariate statistical analyses were used to identify spatial patterns of pollution, as well as sources and lifetime of the items. A total of 20,286 items were collected, with an average density of 0.19 items/m² and a predominance of plastics. Litter was associated with tourist and recreational activities. The lifetime of most items was <1 year. All beaches had intermediate levels of pollution. The analyses identified varying patterns of anthropogenic litter related to the cleaning frequency and waste item typologies. In conclusion, pollution of macrotidal beaches in the Amazon region is an emerging problem that requires measures to prevent and mitigate the impacts on this ecosystem and to reconsider the form of production and consumption of plastic waste.

Occurrence of COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) litters along the eastern coast of Palawan Island, Philippines

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused worldwide health constraints. This study was conducted to establish a baseline monitoring survey to describe the distribution of PPE litters during the COVID-19 pandemic in the province of Palawan, Philippines. A total of 386 COVID-19-related PPE items were present in 83 % of coastal sampling sites with over a cumulative area of 48,200 m2, with a density of 8 × 10-3 items m-2. The facemask (98 %; n = 377) was the primary type of PPE, followed by face shield (2 %; n = 9). Meanwhile, the daily density of PPE litters in San Manuel, Puerto Princesa ranged from 0 to 9.9 × 10-2 items m-2, with a mean density of 8 × 10-3 items m-2. The accumulation rates of PPE items ranged from 3.27 × 10-1 items to 1.143 items d-1, with an average rate of 7.29 × 10-1 items d-1.

The spatial and temporal changes of beach litter on Istanbul (Turkey) beaches as measured by the clean-coast index

Possible access routes of macro and mesoplastics, acting as the main sources of pollution in the coastal ecosystem, are examined as a case study on four beaches along the Istanbul coast. A total number of 3787 items belonging to 12 categories of debris types were collected as follows: macroplastics 47.8%; mesoplastics 9.2%; and others 43.0% such as paper pieces, glass pieces and metal beverage cans. Clean-coast and carbonyl indexes were also used to identify the level of cleanliness of the sampling sites. The clean-coast index revealed that all of the sample sites were categorized as extremely dirty. Moreover, carbonyl index results indicate that 35.7% of the samples were at a high oxidation level indicating that some of the particles relatively spend more time on beaches. The litter concentration and surface oxidation results were addressing issues that should be taken into consideration to improve litter management strategies of the beaches.

A seasonal comparison of litter impacts along the Viña del Mar - Concón coastal strip, Valparaiso region of Chile

The Vina del Mar - Concón Coastal strip is well known for its urban beaches, which play an essential role in the national economy. With extreme urban development, these beaches have become more polluted by litter. This paper evaluates the abundance, spatio-temporal distribution, typology, and sources of beach litter in 14 sectors located inside this coastal strip. A total of 19,886 litter items were collected and grouped into 50 different categories (11 litter typologies). Overall average litter abundance was 0.21 items/m² while during the fall and winter averages were 0.25 items/m² and 0.17 items/m². Values changed along the area and between seasons. Plastics, cigarette butts and paper-cardboard typologies dominated the samples with 42% (0.088 items/m²), 25.4% (0.053 items/m²) and 20.8% (0.043 items/m²).