Microplastic detection and identification in edible bivalves from Dolores and Oras, Eastern Samar

Microplastics are very minute plastic fragments that contaminate the environment and the organisms around it. One such important organism is bivalves. In Oras and Dolores, bivalves, specifically, Corbicula fluminea or “bibe” are well known for its economic importance. Henceforth, this study was conducted to detect the presence of microcontaminants or microplastics in the bivalves, being sold in the localities of Oras and Dolores, Eastern Samar. Digestion and Filtration procedures were used to attain consistent results with emphasis on current quality controls. Results revealed the presence of microplastics in the bivalve species collected on both sampling sites. Furthermore, it was found out that most microplastics were microfibers, mostly are filamentous and has the transparent/white to blue coloration. This results suggest the contamination of these non-biodegradable to edible bivalves which may pose health threats once eaten or utilized for various use.