LEVELS OF MICROPLASTICS IN MUSSELS (Perna viridis) AND MANILA CLAM (Venerupis philippinarum) IN BACOOR CITY, CAVITE AND CALATAGAN, BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES

The concern over the ocean’s microplastic research and general awareness has grown over the past few years. Microplastics come from a variety of sources, including larger plastic debris that has broken into resin pellets used in the production of plastics or microbeads used in cosmetic and health products. This study determined the number of microplastics in mussels (Perna viridis) and Manila clams (Venerupis philippinarum) collected from Bacoor City, Cavite, and Calatagan, Batangas; and determined the consumption pattern of mussels and Manila clams. The samples were collected from the study sites, and the meat was extracted from the shell. The meat samples were alkaline, and were digested, filtered, and oven-dried. A light microscope was used to separate the microplastics from other debris. The purified microplastics were weighed using an analytical balance. A survey was conducted to determine the consumption pattern of the consumers. The results showed that the mussels from Bacoor City, Cavite have the highest amount of extracted microplastics. Most of the respondents from Bacoor City consumed 0.99g per year because of eating mussels daily. The majority of the respondents from Calatagan consumed 0.0170g per year because of eating Manila clams six times a month. Most of the respondents consume mussels and Manila clams frequently, while some of them consider this a staple food. Microplastics were present in Manila clams and mussels collected from the Bacoor, Cavite, and Calatagan, Batangas. The researchers recommend the conduct of in-depth research on microplastics in Philippine seas and aquatic life to reduce the health danger to people and the ecosystem.