Davao Oriental, Philippines — Microplastic pollution is increasingly becoming a direct threat to marine food safety. A recent study by Chella May R. Sison and Eleanor M. Vilela from Davao Oriental State University found that wild rabbitfish (Siganus guttatus) in Pujada Bay have ingested microplastic particles in their digestive systems. The study was published in 2026 in the East Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research.
Researchers analyzed 60 wild rabbitfish samples collected from Tamisan, Pujada Bay, and found that 16 fish, or 26.7 percent, contained suspected microplastics.
The average abundance was 0.27 particles per fish, indicating that contamination is already present in the coastal ecosystem.
Most of the particles were fibers, accounting for 87.5 percent of all findings. This suggests that fishing gear, ropes, textiles, and domestic waste are likely major contributors.
Blue particles were the most dominant, making up 50 percent of the total, followed by red, black, and transparent particles.
Rabbitfish are herbivorous and commonly feed on algae and seagrass surfaces, habitats where microplastics can accumulate. This feeding behavior increases the risk of accidental ingestion.
Although the study relied on visual identification without FTIR polymer confirmation, the findings provide strong baseline evidence of microplastic exposure in an economically important fish species.
The researchers warn that continuous exposure may affect fish health and could pose risks to humans through seafood consumption.
The study highlights the urgent need for better waste management, reduced plastic leakage, and stronger coastal conservation efforts in the Philippines.
0 Komentar