Microplastics detection in milkfish (Chanos chanos) from selected aquaculture farm in the Philippines

Lynne Jerisa A. Castro, Jane Cathleen B. Gabunada, Clarisse Jasmine J. Carlos, Charisse M. Mendoza, Angelene J. Alcain, John Paul D. Arcilla, Alec N. Tobias, Kim Christopher C. Aganda, Araceli M. Monsada
Abstract:
The reliable detection and analysis of microplastics (MPs) are crucial for the development of solutions to mitigate their potential impacts on the environment and human health. However, the removal of biological materials remains a significant challenge as MPs may be obscured by biological matter, complicating their isolation. This study optimized the digestion and extraction of MPs from milkfish parts using KOH combined with a dual-density separation involving NaCl and NaI solutions. Reference micropolymers were spiked into the fish parts to assess % recovery. Results revealed excellent digestion efficiencies and % recoveries (≈90%) in 10% KOH solution. The method was also applied to milkfish collected from Southeastern Mindanao, Philippines. Cellulose, PE, PP, PA, and PET polymers were detected. The average number of MPs found in the meat, fat, GIT, head, and gills were 1.2 ± 0.6, 2.4 ± 2.6, 0.5 ± 1.0, 2.6 ± 2.1 and 0.3 ± 1.0, respectively.
Download:
IMEKO-TC8-11-24-2025-014.pdf
DOI:
10.21014/tc24-2025.014
Event details
IMEKO TC:
TC24
Event name:
IMEKO TC8, TC11 and TC24 Conference
Title:

Joint conference of the TCs ‘Traceability in Metrology’ (IMEKO TC8), ‘Measurement in Testing, Inspection and Certification’ (IMEKO TC11), and ‘Chemical Measurements’ (IMEKO TC24).

Place:
Torino, ITALY
Time:
14 September 2025 - 17 September 2025