Microplastic Contamination of Selected Fish Species

Abstract

present (fibers, fragments, films) in Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), Galunggong (Decapterus macrosoma), and Bangus (Chanos chanos), three commercially important fish species in the Philippines, assessing how many particles are present in each. Using a descriptive research design, 90 fish samples were collected from the Tagudin Public Market in Ilocos Sur and analyzed at UP Diliman’s Biological Research and Services Laboratory. Chemical digestion and stereomicroscopic examination were conducted to isolate and identify microplastics.  The results revealed Tilapia has the highest number of microplastics, 98 microplastic particles, Galunggong 87, and Bangus 59. Fragments were most common in Tilapia and Galunggong, while fibers are the most abundant in Bangus. These findings highlighted habitat-specific contamination sources and underscored the potential risks of consuming fish contaminated with microplastics, which may carry toxic chemicals harmful to human health. To promote awareness, a brochure, poster, and short video were developed as part of an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) package. Expert evaluators rated all materials as Highly Acceptable, with scores ranging from 4.1 to 4.3.