Work

Disentangling Microplastic Pollution on Beach Sand of Puerto Princesa, Palawan Island, Philippines: Abundance and Characteristics

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: Microplastics (MPs) have become an emerging threat to the marine environment and biota. This study was conducted to determine the occurrence of MPs on the beach sand of Puerto Princesa, Philippines. Microplastics were extracted from the beach sand through the flotation method and preliminarily identified using a stereomicroscope. A total of 47 MPs were extracted from beach sand. Among the 21 sampling sites, the beach sands from 15 sites were contaminated with MPs. The east coast of Puerto Princesa (0.023 particles/g) has significantly higher MP abundance than the west coast (0.006 particles/g). The shapes of MPs were predominantly fiber (79%), and the majority were blue. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis identified polymer types of mainly polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP). Overall, 71% of the sampling sites showed the presence of MPs. Future studies should consider the presence and effects of MPs in the food chain, particularly on seafood.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su142215303

Authors: Recca E. Sajorne, Genese Divine B. Cayabo, Lea Janine A. Gajardo, Jhonamie A. Mabuhay-Omar, Lota A. Creencia, Hernando P. Bacosa

Institutions: Western Philippines University-Puerto Princesa, Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, Mindanao State University

Language: English

Topic: Microplastics and Plastic Pollution

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life below water, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,094