Relative prevalence of microplastics on mangrove crabs and soil in targeted crab harvesting sites in Luzon

Date of Publication

2024

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

Subject Categories

Biology

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Advisor

Chona Camille Vince Cruz-Abeledo

Defense Panel Chair



Defense Panel Member

Laurence Robles
Antonio Samuel S. Mamauag

Abstract/Summary

Excessive use of plastics in the Philippines, combined with poor solid waste management has led to an amassing of microplastics in various habitats, with a major victim being mangrove forests. These microplastics pose a threat to the organisms that live within it as it can obstruct the day to day processes and overall growth of the inhabitants. The Scylla genus of crabs, commonly known as mangrove crabs, are a part of the affected organisms. Due to the economic and ecological importance of these mangrove crabs, the extent to which they are affected by the presence of microplastics should be analyzed. However, there is a lack of literature that provides this information. The study aimed to compare the prevalence, frequency of appearance in the sample, and type of microplastics in three Scylla crab tissues (muscles, gills, and hepatopancreas) collected from a representative east and west coast mangrove forest. Soil samples were also studied to discern possible sources for any microplastics present in the tissues of the crabs. It was found that there was a high prevalence and frequency of appearance of microplastics in all tissues of both locations, but no significant differences between tissue types and location. Fiber type microplastics were shown to be significantly more prevalent within samples. Identified sources of these plastics were mostly fishery-related paraphernalia such as fishing nets/gillnets or single use products such as face masks. These may have broken down and entered the organisms through digestion, respiration, or simply exposure to microplastics in the surrounding environment. Waste management methods, notably in reduction of plastic waste and responsible disposal/collection methods were recommended.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Microplastics; Scylla (Crustacea)

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Embargo Period

4-17-2024

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