Characterization, Analysis, and Brand Audit of Macroplastic Litter in Selected Coastal Areas of Sarangani Bay

Abstract

Plastic pollution in the Philippines' coastal areas has been rampant over the years. Still, the studies on assessing and quantifying such issues are limited and not fully explored. This study assessed and characterized a snapshot of the current macroplastic pollution in various coastal sites in Sarangani Bay. A perpendicular transect survey was employed in the study wherein any observed plastic item larger or longer than 25 mm was recorded and identified based on the type of plastic product and the polymer composition. Additionally, details of macroplastic items with identifiable labels and brand names will be recorded for the brand audit. Being an urban site, the City of General Santos survey area has recorded the highest count (n=190) and density of macroplastic litter at 0.9572 items per square meter. Results also showed that more than half of the waste surveyed comprises plastic bags (n=134) and food items (n=129) packaging. Polypropylene (n=138) was the dominant polymer type among the wastes tallied, which is utilized in a wide array of plastic items such as food packaging, plastic utensils and containers, ropes, and lids. Most of the brands audited are involved in manufacturing food, beverage, and personal care products, whereby most of the plastic wastes that originate from consumer goods are single-use packaging such as sachet and pillow pouches. Generally, the insights gathered from this study augment the knowledge of various policymakers and the local government, which can be used in implementing appropriate programs or enacting local policies that can help improve the current pollution status in the bay's coastal area.