The presence of microplastics in various ecosystems like rivers, coastal waters and even air, due to mismanaged plastic wastes, has been a long-standing issue in the country and even globally.
Researchers from Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) recently published a study titled, “Urban Road Deposition of Microplastics in Iligan City,” in the Philippine Journal of Science in 2024, which pioneered in quantifying and characterizing microplastics, especially from road dust, in an urban setting.
One of the authors of the study, Jeron Bet B. Tejano, said microplastics in road dust pose potential health risks, particularly to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions.
Tejano is a MS Environmental Science student at MSU-IIT, supported by a scholarship from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP).
“Since RDMPs (road dust microplastics) can become airborne and be inhaled, they may contribute to respiratory inflammation, lung irritation, and other health complications. Some microplastics also contain toxic additives or can absorb harmful pollutants, further increasing health risks,” Tejano said in an interview.
He added while more studies are needed to fully understand the long-term effects, the presence of RDMPs in urban environments is a growing concern that needs attention.
The researchers identified three sampling stations, namely Barangay Tibanga, Barangay Poblacion and Barangay Palao, in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte.
According to the research team, the sampling stations were ‘strategically selected’ near the city center to represent areas with high human activity. The selection was based on traffic density, commercial and residential buildings and the level of pedestrian movement.
The road dust from each quadrat was then collected and filtrated using the sieving method, which was categorized according to particle size.
“The samples were then digested in a solution and filtrated using a vacuum system in a secured laboratory. The suspected road dust MPs (RDMPs) were isolated through microscopy analysis, and their maximum dimension was measured. Each suspected RDMP was then analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry Analysis to confirm their polymer types,” said the study.
Tejano said the sampling process required strict contamination control to ensure that the microplastics identified were genuinely from road dust and not external sources, making it challenging for the team to conduct the study. Claire Bernadette A. Mondares, DOST-STII)