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Unraveling Microplastic Pollution in Mangrove Sediments of Butuan Bay, Philippines

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Listed:
  • 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
    BS in Environmental Science Program, College of Arts and Sciences, Surigao del Norte State University-Main Campus, Surigao City 8400, Surigao 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
    Main Campus Bataraza Extension (MCBE), Mindanao State University-Main Campus, Marawi 9700, Lanao del Sur, 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
    Department of Science and Technology, Science Education Institute, Taguig City 1630, Metro Manila, Philippines)

  • Rey Y. Capangpangan

    (REY Laboratories, Research Division, Mindanao State University at Naawan, Naawan 9023, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
    Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, College of Marine and Allied Sciences, 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • 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 & Hernando P. Bacosa, 2022. "Unraveling Microplastic Pollution in Mangrove Sediments of Butuan Bay, Philippines," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-11, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:21:p:14469-:d:962862
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. T N Kazmiruk & V D Kazmiruk & L I Bendell, 2018. "Abundance and distribution of microplastics within surface sediments of a key shellfish growing region of Canada," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(5), pages 1-16, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Guillen, Jesamie S. & Branzuela, Nympha E. & Famor, Christopher V. & Nadela, Hyde D. & Bayron, Roland R., 2026. "Occurrence of Microplastics in Hijo River Sediments, Davao Region, Philippines," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS), vol. 11(13), pages 66-72, January.
    2. Jerome G. Gacu & Sameh A. Kantoush & Binh Quang Nguyen & Renato U. Solidum & Orlando F. Balderama, 2025. "Challenges and approaches in sediment management in the Philippines: a review of current research, practices, and proposed countermeasures," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 121(17), pages 19527-19563, October.
    3. Recca E. Sajorne & Genese Divine B. Cayabo & Lea Janine A. Gajardo & Jhonamie A. Mabuhay-Omar & Lota A. Creencia & Hernando P. Bacosa, 2022. "Disentangling Microplastic Pollution on Beach Sand of Puerto Princesa, Palawan Island, Philippines: Abundance and Characteristics," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-11, November.
    4. Aiza D. Gabriel & Ruben F. Amparado & Arnold A. Lubguban & Hernando P. Bacosa, 2023. "Riverine Microplastic Pollution: Insights from Cagayan de Oro River, Philippines," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(12), pages 1-16, June.

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