Unraveling Microplastic Pollution in Mangrove Sediments of Butuan Bay, Philippines

Carl Kenneth P. Navarro (), Cris Gel Loui A. Arcadio, Kaye M. Similatan, Sherley Ann T. Inocente, Marybeth Hope T. Banda, Rey Y. Capangpangan, Armi G. Torres and Hernando P. Bacosa
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Carl Kenneth P. Navarro: Environmental Science Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City 9200, Lanao del Norte, Philippines
Cris Gel Loui A. Arcadio: Environmental Science Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City 9200, Lanao del Norte, Philippines
Kaye M. Similatan: Environmental Science Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City 9200, Lanao del Norte, Philippines
Sherley Ann T. Inocente: REY Laboratories, Research Division, Mindanao State University at Naawan, Naawan 9023, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
Marybeth Hope T. Banda: REY Laboratories, Research Division, Mindanao State University at Naawan, Naawan 9023, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
Rey Y. Capangpangan: REY Laboratories, Research Division, Mindanao State University at Naawan, Naawan 9023, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
Armi G. Torres: Environmental Science Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City 9200, Lanao del Norte, Philippines
Hernando P. Bacosa: Environmental Science Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City 9200, Lanao del Norte, Philippines

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 21, 1-11

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–Fourier transform infrared (ATR–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.

Keywords: microplastics; mangroves; sediment; ATR–FTIR; Mindanao; Philippines (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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