Martinez. Joshua Cris A. <br/><br/>
The occurrence of microplastics in Asian green mussels (Perna viridis) in the coastal waters of Navotras city, Philippines/  
Joshua Cris A. Martinez, Patrick G. Norial, Ricomark B. Ollanas, and Ioan Aldrich T. Pastor .-- 
 - Manila:   Technological University of the Philippines,   2024. 
 - xi, 115pages:   29cm.   +1 CD-ROM (4 3/4in.)  
<br/><br/> Thesis (undergraduate)  
<br/><br/>College of Science .--  
<br/><br/>Includes bibliography:  
<br/><br/> Microplastic pollution is an emerging environmental problem that exists globally.<br/>The studies regarding the occurrence of microplastics in marine environments are very<br/>limited, hence its actual impact on human health, the marine ecosystem, and biota is yet to<br/>be fully determined. This study investigates the presence and characteristics of<br/>microplastics in Asian Green Mussels (Perna viridis) in the coastal waters of Navotas City,<br/>Philippines. Accordingly, the study intends to assess the water quality in the area,<br/>characterize the Asian Green Mussels, and analyze the possible sources linked with each<br/>type of polymer recovered from the sampling locations. The coastal waters were assessed<br/>through an in-situ approach using a multi-tester whereas findings revealed that the<br/>physicochemical parameters of water at all sampling sites were within acceptable limits for<br/>Class SB water bodies standards provided by the Department of Environment and Natural<br/>Resources (DENR). The microplastics within the sample mussels were isolated through<br/>the use of three parts analytical-grade KOH and one part 10% H2O2, the improvised<br/>protocol was based on several research suggestions, and it yielded positive results in the<br/>current study, as microplastics were successfully detected through the use an ATR-FTIR<br/>Spectrophotometer. The majority of microplastics identified were less than 1 millimeter in<br/>size, predominantly fibrous and fragmented in shape, with polymers such as polypropylene<br/>(PP), polyethylene (PE), and polyamide (PA) being most common. Findings suggest that<br/>the detected microplastics in the study can be attributed to the high urbanization of Navotas<br/>City according to its land use map. The findings further signify the existence of<br/>microplastics in marine organisms, particularly in such species viable for human<br/>consumption, hence, this study emphasizes the need for improved environmental policies<br/>and practices to mitigate this pollution and its potential impact on human health and marine<br/>life. 
<br/><br/><label>Subjects--Topical Terms: </label><br/>Microplastics <br/>Aquatic species--Asian green mussels 
<br/><br/><label>LC Class. No.: </label>BTH GF 41   / M37 2024