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Unraveling Microplastic Pollution in Mangrove Sediments of Butuan Bay, Philippines
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Researchers examined microplastic contamination in mangrove sediments of Butuan Bay in the Philippines and found 72 particles across sampling sites. Fibrous microplastics were the most common type, and polypropylene was the dominant polymer, making up 39 percent of samples. The study serves as baseline data for the region and recommends long-term monitoring to better understand and prevent further microplastic pollution in the bay.
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.
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This study mapped microplastic contamination in the sediments of three mangrove forests in Mindanao, Philippines, finding particles at all sites with counts ranging from 83 to 2,250 items per kilogram depending on location. Fragment shapes dominated near one river mouth while fibers dominated at a coastal site, and polypropylene was the most common polymer overall. Microplastic levels and types appeared linked to local economic activity, fishing, and waste management practices. The findings provide baseline data for protecting these ecologically important coastal ecosystems.
Assessment of Microplastic Pollution Load and Ecological Risk Index in Surface Water and Sediment Matrices in the Mangrove Ecosystem along Butuan Bay, Southern Philippines
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Researchers assessed microplastic pollution loads and ecological risk indices in surface water and sediment of mangrove ecosystems along Butuan Bay in the Southern Philippines, finding Buenavista had the highest MP concentrations among the three sampled sites.
Microplastic Contamination in Mangrove Sediments: A Systematic Review of Abundance, Composition, and Environmental Drivers[
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This review combined results from 37 studies on microplastic pollution in mangrove sediments worldwide. It found particle levels varied widely, with tiny fibers and fragments made mostly of polyethylene and polypropylene being most common, and that root density, tides, sediment type, and human activities like wastewater discharge affected accumulation. Differences in testing methods across studies made comparisons difficult.
Mangrove Filters or Microplastic Traps? Insights from Microplastic Ingestion in Polymesoda erosa in Butuan Bay, Philippines
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Researchers examined microplastic ingestion in the mangrove bivalve Polymesoda erosa at three sites in Butuan Bay, Philippines, finding widespread contamination dominated by fibers, and assessed whether mangroves function as natural filtration systems or inadvertently concentrate microplastics.
Revealing Microplastic Contamination in Mangrove Sediments from Setiu Wetlands, Malaysia
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Researchers found 2,292 microplastic particles per kilogram of sediment in the mangrove wetlands of Setiu, Malaysia, with over 80% being tiny fibers likely from fishing gear and packaging. Areas near aquaculture operations had the highest contamination levels, and the microplastic surfaces showed signs of environmental degradation that could make them more toxic. Mangrove ecosystems act as natural traps for microplastics, concentrating pollution in habitats that are vital for fisheries and coastal protection.
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