Davao Oriental – Macroplastic waste continues to accumulate in mangrove forests, posing a growing threat to the sustainability of coastal ecosystems. This finding comes from a study conducted by Marlone M. Barrete from Davao Oriental State University, published in 2026. The research revealed that single-use plastic waste, particularly food wrappers, cellophane, and plastic bottles, dominates the macroplastic debris found in the mangrove forests of Baganga, Davao Oriental, Philippines. The findings highlight the urgent need for more effective waste management strategies to protect mangrove ecosystems, which play a vital role in shoreline protection and marine biodiversity.
Plastic pollution has become one of the world's most pressing environmental challenges. Rising plastic production, the widespread use of disposable products, and inadequate waste management systems have resulted in increasing amounts of plastic entering rivers, coastal areas, and oceans. In the Philippines, the problem is intensified by the country's extensive coastline, numerous river systems, heavy rainfall, and limited waste collection and recycling infrastructure. As a result, household waste and fishing-related debris are easily transported into mangrove forests, where they can remain trapped for extended periods.
Mangrove forests naturally function as efficient traps for floating debris because of their dense aerial root systems. While this characteristic helps prevent waste from spreading further into the open sea, prolonged plastic accumulation can seriously disrupt the ecological functions of mangroves. Plastic covering the sediment can obstruct gas exchange, damage root systems, inhibit seedling establishment, and ultimately reduce mangrove growth and survival.
To assess the extent of macroplastic pollution, the researcher conducted field surveys in the mangrove forests of Barangays Lucod and Kinablangan in Baganga, Davao Oriental. Three sampling transects were established and divided into multiple plots. All plastic debris larger than five millimeters was counted, categorized by type, weighed, and documented using photographs and geotagged field records. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to compare the abundance, mass, composition, and spatial distribution of macroplastic debris across the sampling sites.
The survey documented 317 macroplastic items with a combined recorded mass of 9,625.5 grams across the three sampling transects. Transect 01 contained the largest amount of debris, recording 208 items weighing 4,714.5 grams. Transect 02 contained only 65 items, yet its total mass reached 4,036 grams because of several large objects such as plastic sacks and a discarded tire. Transect 03 recorded 44 items with a total mass of 875 grams, making it the least polluted among the three surveyed locations.
Among all debris types, food wrappers were the most frequently encountered, totaling 97 items, followed by cellophane, plastic packaging, and beverage bottles. Although these items contributed relatively little weight, their overwhelming abundance reflected the extensive use of single-use plastics. In contrast, bulky materials such as plastic sacks, tires, tarpaulins, and other large debris accounted for a significant proportion of the total recorded mass despite being less numerous. These findings indicate that pollution originates from multiple sources, including household activities, fishing operations, small businesses, and improper waste disposal.
According to Marlone M. Barrete, the widespread distribution of single-use plastics across all sampling transects suggests that pollution is not confined to a single dumping location. Lightweight plastics are easily transported by wind, rivers, storm runoff, and tidal currents before becoming trapped within mangrove roots. In contrast, heavier objects are more likely to indicate nearby dumping activities because they are less easily transported over long distances. This distribution pattern demonstrates that macroplastic pollution results from a combination of local human activities and natural transport processes.
The study also warns that macroplastic pollution may lead to even greater environmental problems in the future. Continuous exposure to sunlight, wave action, and temperature fluctuations gradually breaks larger plastic debris into microplastics, which are much more difficult to remove. These microscopic particles can enter the food chain through fish, shellfish, and other marine organisms, posing risks to both ecosystem health and human well-being. To address these challenges, the researcher recommends strengthening waste collection services, reducing the use of single-use plastics, implementing fishing gear recovery programs, enforcing regulations against illegal dumping, and conducting regular mangrove cleanups and environmental monitoring.
Author Profile
Marlone M. Barrete — Davao Oriental State University, Philippines.
Research Source
Article Title: Macroplastic Pollution in Mangrove Ecosystems of Baganga, Davao Oriental, Philippines
Journal: East Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (EAJMR), Vol. 5, No. 7, 2026.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/eajmr.v5i7.244
Journal Link: https://journaleajmr.my.id/index.php/eajmr
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