Occurrence of microplastics in the sediments of Baseco Port area at Manila Bay, Philippines

Abstract Microplastic in marine sediments is nowadays considered an environmental pollutant. Seaports are particularly susceptible to microplastic pollution through series of human activities occurring in these areas. In the Philippines, research on microplastics is still limited and there is still no study determining the occurrence of microplastics in the harbour of Manila Bay, Philippines. Hence, this work conducted a preliminary investigation of microplastics in the sediments of Baseco Port area, Manila Bay. Nine stations within the study region were sampled. The types of microplastics found are fragments, foam, fiber, film, pellet, and filament with an average size measurement of 1.6±1.4 mm. Results from this study suggest that anthropogenic impacts are most likely the dominant sources of accumulation and distribution of microplastics in the sediments of Baseco port. This study provides preliminary assessment of microplastics contamination in the area that may serve as important reference for further studies.