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Suspected Particle Morphology and Reported FTIR Polymer Assignments in Gastrointestinal Preparations from Three Fish Taxa Landed in Pasacao, Philippines
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This study re-examined data from a 2026 thesis on suspected microplastic particles found in the digestive tracts of three fish types from the Philippines. The review found numerical inconsistencies in particle counts and sizes, and noted that chemical identification of plastic types using FTIR could not be independently confirmed from the available records.
Microplastic investigations require a clear distinction between visually suspected particles and chemically confirmed polymers to ensure analytical accuracy and reliable environmental interpretation. This study critically re-examined the reported particle morphologies, size distributions, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectral assignments in fish gastrointestinal (GI) preparations collected from Pasacao, Camarines Sur, Philippines. A retrospective descriptive reanalysis was conducted using a 2026 master’s thesis, drawing on its documented sampling procedures, particle summary tables, and spectral appendices. Morphology-specific counts were independently recalculated, and the mathematical consistency of reported particle counts, size ranges, and mean dimensions was evaluated. No additional biological specimens, raw spectra, or laboratory measurements were generated. The three selected fish taxa yielded 43, 30, and 26 morphology-classified particles, although the original thesis reported 27 particles for the third sample. Among the 99 enumerated particles, fragments predominated (n = 39), followed by fibers (n = 36), films (n = 19), microbeads (n = 3), and nurdles (n = 2), based on the source classifications. Two particle-size summaries exhibited mathematical inconsistencies between their reported counts, ranges, and mean values. The thesis associated selected FTIR spectral responses with ethylene–vinyl acetate, polyethylene-related polymers, and chlorinated polyethylene; however, particle-level chemical confirmation and independent analytical replication could not be established from the available documentation. These findings provide preliminary evidence of suspected particles in fish GI preparations and associated polymer signatures, but do not establish ingestion prevalence, feeding-guild effects, or seafood safety risks. Verification of original laboratory records, reconciliation of numerical discrepancies, and systematic quality-assurance assessment are necessary to strengthen the reliability and reproducibility of the findings.
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