Microplastic Profiling Along Coastal Beaches of Tanza, Cavite
摘要
Microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems poses significant environmental risks, including threats to marine life and human health. This study investigates the prevalence and types of microplastics along the coastal beaches of Tanza, Cavite. A comprehensive sampling and analysis protocol was employed, including density separation using a saturated brine solution, organic material digestion via the Fenton reaction, and microplastic characterization through Microscopy and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Results revealed a high prevalence of microplastics, with significant variation in amount, shape, and polymer type across different sites. Distinct patterns of microplastics were identified, with fragments being the most abundant, followed by fibers, pellets, films, and microbeads. The ATR-FTIR analysis further confirmed the presence of various polymers, including polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and nylon. The findings underscore the widespread issue of plastic pollution in coastal environments, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and targeted mitigation strategies.