28/06/2025
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Congratulations to Ms. Darlene M. Reble, Dr. Wilfredo H. Uy, Dr. Rey Y. Capangpangan, Dr. Anabelle Dece A. Espadero, and Dr. Venus E. Leopardas of Mindanao State University at Naawan for their recent publication in the IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, a Scopus-indexed Q3 conference proceedings.
Their paper, titled โThe Prevalence of Microplastics in Farmed Seaweed ๐พ๐๐๐๐๐โ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ง๐๐ in Panguil Bay, Philippines,โ investigates the presence and characteristics of microplastics (MPs) in farmed seaweed and surrounding water samples from two aquaculture sites in Panguil BayโOzamiz and Kolambugan.
Using FTIR analysis, the team identified 1,298 microplastic particles, with higher concentrations found in water samples than in the seaweed itself. Significant differences were observed in microplastic abundance, size, color, morphotype, and polymer composition across locations and sample types. Fibers and filaments were the dominant morphotypes, while rayon, polyester, and azlon emerged as the most common polymers. Notably, washing seaweed with distilled water reduced microplastic concentration by 33%, showing potential as a simple mitigation strategy.
The study highlights ๐พ๐๐๐๐๐โ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ง๐๐ as a potential biomonitor for microplastic pollution and underscores the need for enhanced monitoring protocols, waste management practices, and environmental policies to address marine microplastic contamination in seaweed farming areas.
This remarkable achievement underscores MSU at Naawanโs dedication to advancing marine science and tackling pressing environmental challenges through impactful research.
Read the full article here: https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1506/1/012028
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