We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Unveiling Microplastics in Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) from Lake Lanao and Assessing Community Awareness: Basis for IEC and I’m Development
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from Lake Lanao in the Philippines and assessed community awareness and attitudes toward microplastic pollution in three lakeside municipalities. Using a mixed-methods design with 18 fish samples, the study found microplastics present in tilapia tissues and identified gaps in community knowledge that informed information, education, and communication program development.
This study explores the growing concern of microplastic pollution in Lake Lanao by analyzing its presence in Oreochromis niloticus (tilapia) and assessing community awareness and attitudes in three lakeside municipalities: Marawi City, Mulondo, and Tamparan. Using a mixed-methods design, eighteen tilapia samples (six per site) were dissected, and their gastrointestinal tracts and gills were analyzed using 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) digestion, filtration, and stereomicroscopy. A total of 21 microplastic particles were extracted and categorized by morphology, with films most prevalent in Marawi and fibers dominating in Mulondo and Tamparan. FTIR analysis identified common polymers such as Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyester (PET), and Polyamide (Nylon). Complementing the lab analysis, survey data from 989 residents revealed consistently low awareness of microplastic pollution but high willingness to engage in environmental action. Spearman’s correlation showed a moderate positive relationship between knowledge and attitude (ρ = 0.422), highlighting the influence of education. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) further illustrated firsthand observations of declining fish quality and increased plastic waste. These findings led to the development and expert validation of two educational outputs: a localized Grade 8 instructional module and a tri-fold IEC brochure promoting microplastic awareness in schools and communities.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in Tilapia Fish (Oreochromis Niloticus) Cultured at Magat Dam Reservoir
AI summary Read the abstract
This study investigated microplastic contamination in Nile tilapia cultured in Magat Dam Reservoir in the Philippines, identifying particles in digestive tracts and gill tissues. The findings raise concerns about microplastic accumulation in farmed freshwater fish destined for human consumption.
From Water to Fish: Microplastic Exposure and Ecological Risk in a Tropical Freshwater Fishery Lake in the Philippines
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastics in the water and in four fish species from Lake Sampaloc, a freshwater lake in the Philippines. Microplastics, mostly fibers made of polyethylene and polypropylene, were found in the water and in over half of the fish tested, with farmed fish containing more than wild fish. The water showed very high pollution levels, while fish tissue showed moderate contamination, and larger fish had more fibers than smaller ones.
Preliminary Identification of the Bioaccumulation of Microplastic Particles in Oreochromis niloticus (Tilapia) Sold at Polomolok Public Market
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers extracted microplastics from the gastrointestinal tracts of 30 market-sold tilapia in the Philippines, finding 2,237 particles total with polystyrene dominating, and determined that contamination levels varied significantly by vendor stall location but showed no correlation with fish body size — implicating local environmental exposure over fish physiology.
Microplastics in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from Lake Amatitlán
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were found in Nile tilapia from Lake Amatitlan, Guatemala, with fibers as the dominant type, confirming that even fish from lakes receiving untreated wastewater in Central America are contaminated and that the fish represent a potential vector for human microplastic ingestion.
Correlation of Water Quality with Microplastic Exposure Prevalence in Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed tilapia to polyethylene microplastics at three concentrations and assessed effects on water quality and microplastic accumulation in gastrointestinal, liver, gill, and gonad tissues, finding that higher concentrations were associated with elevated microplastic prevalence and tissue-specific accumulation patterns.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.