Title

MICROPLASTICS ACCUMULATION OF COMMERCIALLY SOLD
SHRIMPS (Metapenaeus endeavouri) IN PANGUIL BAY AREA

Author(s)

BAÑEZ, MARY MAE G.

DE LEON, CHRISTEL ANGELIE G.

LEDESMA, FRANZ IAN A.

Affiliation

Misamis University

Degree Program

Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology

Contributor

Balasabas, Ruthie M. RMT, MBA-HHA - Adviser
Enguito, Marie Roselynn C. MSc Bio - Panel member
Atty. Awa, Anthony MSc Bio, LPT - Panel member
Lao, Karl Maxel O. RMT, Msc MLS - Chairman

Year

2026

Abstract

Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have emerged as a global environmental concern due to their persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and associated health risks. With the Philippines identified as a major contributor of plastic waste to the ocean, this research aimed to assess the extent of microplastic contamination in a key aquaculture product consumed locally. A total of 300 shrimp samples were collected
from local vendors and analyzed through dissection, chemical digestion using 6.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH), and followed by microscopic identification. The study categorized microplastics by location, and
morphology (fibers, microbeads, fragments, films, and pellets). Among the three locations, Macquilao shows the highest total number of microplastics present (2.64 ± 0.1), followed by Silanga (2.27 ± 0.11), and lastly, Migcanaway (1.41 ± 0.09). Larger shrimp may have greater feeding capacity and exposure, so these size distribution differences are relevant in microplastics analysis. This study confirmed the presence of microplastics in the Panguil Bay Area, Tangub City, with Macquilao exhibiting the highest accumulation, followed by Silanga and Migcanaway.

Keywords

Consumption, commercially sold shrimps, Metapeneaus endeavouri, microplastics,
Panguil Bay Area