|
Authors |
Navarro, C.K.P.; Arcadio, C.L.A.; Similatan, K.M.; Inocente, S.A.T.; Banda, M.H.T.; Capangpangan, R.Y.; Torres, A.G.; Bacosa, H.P. |
| Abstract |
The mass production and consumption of plastics have serious effects on the environment,
human health, and livelihood. Hence, global efforts to reduce plastic generation must be realized.
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of microplastics in mangrove sediments of Cabadbaran,
Buenavista, and Nasipit in Butuan Bay, Philippines. Seventy-two (72) microplastic particles were
extracted from mangrove sediments dominated by fibrous type (71%) and blue (35%) as the most
common color. Attenuated total reflectance脙垄脗聙脗聯Fourier transform infrared (ATR脙垄脗聙脗聯FTIR) spectroscopy was
used to assess the polymer type of microplastics. Results reveal a total of six polymer types including
high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene-vinyl
acetate, polyamide, and polypropylene, with the latter comprising 39% of samples, the highest
among the extracted particles. Overall, Nasipit (71.1/kg) obtained the highest microplastic density
followed by Buenavista (48.9/kg) and Cabadbaran (40.0/kg). These data will serve as a piece of
baseline information in crafting important environmental policies to address plastic pollution issues
in the area. Long-term studies are recommended to better understand, monitor, and prevent further
microplastic pollution in Butuan Bay |
Mindanao State
University - Iligan Institute of Technology