The pollution of aquatic systems by microplastics is a well-known environmental problem. However, limited studies have been conducted in freshwater systems, especially in the Philippines. Here, we determined for the first time the amount of microplastics in the Philippines’ largest freshwater lake, the Laguna de Bay. Ten (10) sampling stations on the lake’s surface water were sampled using a plankton net. Samples were extracted and analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A total of 100 microplastics were identified from 10 sites with a mean density of 14.29 items/m 3 . Most microplastics were fibers (57%), while blue-colored microplastics predominated in the sampling areas (53%). There were 11 microplastic polymers identified, predominantly polypropylene (PP), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which together account for 65% of the total microplastics in the areas. The results show that there is a higher microplastic density in areas with high relative population density, which necessitates implementing proper plastic waste management measures in the communities operating on the lake and in its vicinity to protect the lake's ecosystem services. Furthermore, future research should also focus on the environmental risks posed by these microplastics, especially on the fisheries and aquatic resources.

The mass production and consumption of plastics have serious effects on the environment, human health, and livelihood. Hence, global efforts to reduce plastic generation must be realized. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of microplastics in mangrove sediments of Cabadbaran, Buenavista, and Nasipit in Butuan Bay, Philippines. Seventy-two (72) microplastic particles were extracted from mangrove sediments dominated by fibrous type (71%) and blue (35%) as the most common color. Attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR–FTIR) spectroscopy was used to assess the polymer type of microplastics. Results reveal a total of six polymer types including high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyamide, and polypropylene, with the latter comprising 39% of samples, the highest among the extracted particles. Overall, Nasipit (71.1/kg) obtained the highest microplastic density followed by Buenavista (48.9/kg) and Cabadbaran (40.0/kg). These data will serve as a piece of baseline information in crafting important environmental policies to address plastic pollution issues in the area. Long-term studies are recommended to better understand, monitor, and prevent further microplastic pollution in Butuan Bay.

Plastics have proven useful in contemporary society. But accumulation of plastics in form of litter in the marine environment has become prevalent pollution affecting all of the worlds’ oceans. The Philippines being an archipelagic country heavily depends on the marine environment and the ecosystem services that it provides. However, it is also ranked as the third-largest producer of marine plastic pollution and the number one plastic riverine emitter. Tourism is an important economic activity for coastal populations throughout the Philippine archipelago. But there are limited studies that investigate plastic pollution in the tourism sector of the Philippines. This study assessed the macroplastic prevalence in the tourism environment of Barobo, Surigao del Sur. Plastic litters were sampled from four growing tourism sites (Cabgan Island, Turtle Island, Dapdap Beach, Panaraga Beach) of Barobo by establishing transect lines with quadrats. Results reveal that all four sites are contaminated with plastic litters. In terms of mainland and island beaches, beaches located on the island have thrice as many plastics with 0.41 items/m2, compared to 0.15 items/m2 on the mainland beaches. Plastic collected were predominantly food packaging, plastic bags, and fragments. Clean coast index calculations reveal that the tourist beaches of Barobo are moderately clean and clean beaches by international standards.

Microplastics (< 5mm) have lately been identi ed in the atmosphere of urban, suburban, and even distant places far from plastic particle areas, suggesting the possibility of long-distance atmospheric transport of microplastics. However, the occurrence, fate, transmission, and effects of these suspended atmospheric microplastics (SAMPs) are all currently unknown in the Philippines. This study investigated the presence of suspected microplastic in the atmosphere of sixteen cities and one municipality of Metro Manila, Philippines. Sampling was conducted using a respirable dust sampler mounted with a Whatman GF/C lter paper and an intake ow rate of 1.4 L/min with Whatman GF/C lter paper. Results reveal that all seventeen sampling areas have the presence of SAMPs. A total of 155 SAMPs were found and con rmed in Metro Manila, recording the highest concentration in Muntinlupa City and Mandaluyong City (0.023 SAMP/NCM).Fourteen SAMP types were identi ed across the sampling areas, 74% with polyester. This study is the rst record of the presence of microplastics suspended in the ambient air in the Philippines. It is estimated that an adult person in Metro Manila has a potential to inhale (5-8 per minute, normal minute ventilation) normal ventilation about 1 SAMP if exposed for about 99.0 to 131.57 hours. Further studies should be done to evaluate the fate and health effects of these SAMPs in Metro Manila's setting.

Microplastics (< 5mm) have lately been identified in the atmosphere of urban, suburban, and even distant places far from plastic particle areas, suggesting the possibility of long-distance atmospheric transport of microplastics. However, the occurrence, fate, transmission, and effects of these suspended atmospheric microplastics (SAMPs) are all currently unknown in the Philippines. This study investigated the presence of suspected microplastic in the atmosphere of sixteen cities and one municipality of Metro Manila, Philippines. Sampling was conducted using a respirable dust sampler mounted with a Whatman GF/C filter paper and an intake flow rate of 1.4 L/min with Whatman GF/C filter paper. Results reveal that all seventeen sampling areas have the presence of SAMPs. A total of 155 SAMPs were found and confirmed in Metro Manila, recording the highest concentration in Muntinlupa City and Mandaluyong City (0.023 SAMP/NCM). Fourteen SAMP types were identified across the sampling areas, ⁓74% with polyester. This study is the first record of the presence of microplastics suspended in the ambient air in the Philippines. It is estimated that an adult person in Metro Manila has a potential to inhale (5–8 per minute, normal minute ventilation) normal ventilation about 1 SAMP if exposed for about 99.0 to 131.57 hours. Further studies should be done to evaluate the fate and health effects of these SAMPs in Metro Manila’s setting.