Environmental Pollution, Innovation, and Circularity - EPIC Lab, Msu-iit

10/03/2026

HOT OFF THE PRESS from EPIC Lab!! Published in Marine Pollution Bulletin (Super Q1, Top 4%, in Oceanography and Aquatic Science).. Thank you to our collaborators in France, Taiwan, DOST, the Philippines Coast Guard, and, of course, to our amazing MS student, Jay Rumen!!!

This study establishes the first Philippine-specific weathering trends for hydrocarbons in spilled oil and provides a scientific foundation for improved monitoring, impact assessment, forensic evaluation, and legal attribution. Here, we assessed the weathering of offshore and shoreline oil residues from the 2023 MT Princess Empress oil spill. Six oil residues were collected from different sites following the spill. Hopane-normalized fingerprints showed strong consistency among the biomarker compounds across samples, confirming a single oil-source origin: the sunken MT Princess Empress. The lightest n-alkanes (n-C9 to n-C12) disappeared completely within three days. n-C13 to n-C15 (k = 0.683–1.685) degraded faster than n-C16 to n-C19 (k = 0.090–0.572). In contrast, the long-chain alkanes (n-C20 to n-C35) remained essentially unchanged regardless of distance from the spill site. Alkylated PAHs also showed distinct compositional shifts, and the first-order decay model at day three demonstrated fast degradation of low-molecular-weight PAHs (k = 0.032–1.987) compared to more stable, higher-ring compounds (k = 0.046–0.073). Moreover, the degradation has plateaued, with no further observed decrease in oil content in residues collected from the 3rd day through the 22nd day after the spill. These results establish the first Philippine-specific weathering trends for hydrocarbons in spilled oil and provide a scientific foundation for improved monitoring, impact assessment, forensic evaluation, and legal attribution.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025326X26003164?dgcid=author&fbclid=IwY2xjawQcTpVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFmUGlBQmlJajluWXI4Wlpoc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvJT_z-FhZz6fzPVS1mNmdMUFpS5GIPnjAV97nVT2OFs1AH5ncKpxWG7FzhX_aem_vRKzpT5qEa6f758aRPIiqg

16/02/2026

6 members of EPIC Lab graduated with a degree of Master of Science in Environmental Science

16/02/2026

EPIC Lab's Kim Ryan Mantuhac got the Best Thesis Award for his work on transboundary plastic pollution... Congratulations!!

🏆 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐞 🏆

Warmest congratulations to, 𝐊𝐢𝐦 𝐑𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐒. 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐜 for being recognized as the Best Thesis Awardee for his exceptional Master's degree research entitled: “𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐬 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐬𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐈𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐳𝐚, 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧, 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬” under the advisership of Prof. Hernando P. Bacosa, Ph.D.

His work aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water, which focuses on reducing marine pollution and protecting coastal and marine ecosystems, as his research highlights the pressing issue of plastic pollution affecting coastal communities and island ecosystems while contributing valuable knowledge toward sustainable coastal management and environmental protection.

This recognition reflects his dedication to science-driven solutions for cleaner seas, healthier coastal communities, and a more sustainable future. May this achievement inspire continued research and action toward cleaner oceans and resilient coastal communities.

Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement!

16/02/2026

EPIC Lab's new publication!!

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

"The Development of a Coconut-Oil-Based Derived Polyol in a Polyurethane Matrix: A Potential Sorbent Material for Marine Oil Spill Applications" by Mr. John Louie L. Tefora, Tomas Ralph B. Tomon, Joy Ian Dan S. Ungang, Roberto M. Malaluan, Arnold A. Lubguban, and Hernando P. Bacosa, published in Journal of Marine Science and Engineering.

This study highlighted the increasing CODP in every CCF formulation, showing high oil sorption and low water uptake due to its porous structure. The experimental results revealed that CCF is a potential candidate sorbent for the recovery of spilled oil. This signifies a significant leap towards reducing the dependency on petroleum in developing sorbent materials and advancing sustainable responses to oil spills in marine environments.

Access the full article here: https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13061176

16/02/2026

Another publication from EPIC Lab by Kent Arana and co-authors

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

"Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Coconut Oil-based, Petroleum-based, and Biohybrid Rigid Polyurethane Foams" by Mr. Kent Naiah D. Araña, Andres Philip Mayol, Roger G. Dingcong Jr., Roberto M. Malaluan, Arnold A. Lubguban, Jayne Lois San Juan, Alvin B. Culaba, Ayla Camille S. Quiaem, Angela Dominique O. Catedral, and Hernando P. Bacosa, published in journal, Process Integration and Optimization for Sustainability (Q1).

This study presents a cradle-to-factory-gate LCA of RPUFs produced from petroleum-based, CO-based, and biohybrid polyol formulations. Using the ReCiPe Midpoint (H) method across 18 impact categories, the results show that CO-based RPUFs achieve measurable reductions in GW, FRS, HCT, FE, and FPMF compared with fully petroleum-derived foams.

Access the full article here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41660-026-00713-0

16/02/2026

Inspiring the 362 graduates today, February 12, 2026, was Dr. Jonald Lozarito Pimentel, 8th President of the University of Southern Mindanao, who gave a beautiful message on grit, hard work, and faith.

22/12/2025

An article from EPIC Lab is featured by the Philippine Journal of Science

PJS article: This study assessed mesoplastic pollution (5–25 mm) on three sandy beaches in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. A total of 82 mesoplastics were collected, with Bulua Seaside showing the highest concentration. Most mesoplastics were film-shaped (39.5%), white (47.4%), 16–20 mm (31.6%), and made of polypropylene (34.2%). Results highlight significant site differences and provide baseline data for coastal pollution management.

Full article: https://tinyurl.com/4d3znay3

11/12/2025

EPIC Lab member Najiha Amer published her work entitled "Elevational variations in atmospheric microplastics and surface-adsorbed heavy metals in Iligan City" in Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health (Q1 in Atmospheric Science, Scopus-Indexed, SCIE).

🌿 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 🌿

"Elevational variations in atmospheric microplastics and surface-adsorbed heavy metals in Iligan City" by 𝙉𝙖𝙟𝙞𝙝𝙖 𝘽. 𝘼𝙢𝙚𝙧 and team, published in Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health (Q1 in Atmospheric Science, Scopus-Indexed, SCIE).

This study examines the distribution, characteristics, and heavy metal associations of atmospheric microplastics across roadside and non-roadside environments in Iligan City. Findings show higher concentrations in traffic-affected and elevated areas, offering valuable insights into urban air quality and environmental health.

📖 Access the full article here:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11869-025-01866-6

Congratulations to Ms. Amer and co-authors for this impactful scientific contribution!

23/11/2025

EPIC Lab's research on microplastics in the air and its associated risks is published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, a top 1% journal in Environmental Engineering with a Scopus Cite Score of 24.6.

https://www.msuiit.edu.ph/news/news-detail.php?id=2308&fbclid=IwY2xjawOQYShleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFLeEQ1c0NyNTE0RzRnMFE0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHl1_lt0ZVOuS79IPADQR4zMRw696cdjtiCfXM9-Tr8VZnhb9W_2tjG0F_l9n_aem_sfOXJupzARt6csT6Yfx7bg

News | MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology

24/10/2025

08/10/2025

EPIC Lab's Prof. Hernando Bacosa is a team member of the Plastibase Project (𝘉𝘪𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘌𝘤𝘰𝘴𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴) funded by the 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 through the 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 (𝗚𝗣𝗔𝗣) implemented by the 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻., 𝗜𝗻𝗰.