Castro, Catrina D. creator Author Gaza, Jan Ysabel A. Author Gierza, Samantha H. Author Hizon, Keith Brian M. Author Robles, Danica R. Author text Manila Technological University of the Philippines 2026 monographic eng

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v, 277 pages: 29 cm. This study determined the presence and characteristics of microplastics (MPs) on naturally occurring mosses in Intramuros, Manila during the wet and dry seasons. A mixed-methods approach was employed, wherein the quantitative component utilized observational biomonitoring to detect and characterize MPs, while the qualitative component applied a descriptive survey design to identify possible sources contributing to microplastic presence in the area. The research was conducted in three stratified sampling sites in Intramuros, selected based on moss abundance and their representation of different environmental conditions. Air quality was measured in terms of: temperature, relative humidity, moisture, heat index, and wind speed. Microplastic particles were characterized based on abundance, size, shape, color, and polymer type, validated through Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. A total of 36 out of 284 microparticles were confirmed as microplastics from moss and air samples across both seasons. Fibers/lines were the dominant shape, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was the most abundant polymer. Color distribution in moss samples was dominated by white and transparent particles (wet season), and black particles (dry season). Larger particles (2.37–5 mm) were most prevalent. Although higher abundance was observed in the wet season, no significant difference was found between seasons (U = 3.00, p = 0.700), indicating that microplastic distribution is influenced by multiple interacting meteorological and anthropogenic factors rather than seasonality alone. Findings confirm that mosses function as passive biomonitors of MPs. It is recommended to expand sampling coverage, develop standardized analytical methods, waste management policies and public awareness, regarding possible health risk implications, and conduct long-term multi-seasonal studies. Keywords: anthropogenic activities, Intramuros, microplastics, moss, dry and wet season Catrina D. Castro, Jan Yzabel A. Gaza, Samantha H. Gierza, Keith Brian M. Hizon, and Danica R. Robles..- Bachelor's Thesis College of Science..- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science: Technological University of the Philippines, 2026. Includes bibliographic references and index. Environmental Science Anthropogenic activities Microplastics BTH GF 41 C37 2026 260615 20260615114420.0 English