Occurrence, characterization, and hazard assessment of microplastics in edible tissues of commercial fishes from public wet markets in Cebu Province, Philippines

This study examined the occurrence, characterization, and hazard risk of microplastics (MPs) in the edible tissues of commercial fish from public wet markets in Cebu Province, Philippines. Fish samples from eleven species were collected from eight municipalities (Argao, Bogo City, Carcar City, Daanbantayan, Liloan, Naga City, Oslob, and Toledo City) and analyzed for microplastics using microscopy and ATR-FTIR. Three hundred eighty-nine MP particles were identified, with benthic fish (N = 197) showing a slightly higher count than pelagic fish (N = 192). Argao had the highest MP count (N = 60), while Daanbantayan had the lowest. Euthynnus affinis had the highest MP concentration (19%, N = 74), followed by Scarus psittacus and Cypselurus opisthopus (16%, N = 64 each). Of the samples, 30% were confirmed as microplastics, revealing 15 distinct polymer types, including polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (20%), polyacetylene (PA) (17%), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (7%). The polymer hazard index (PHI) indicated that polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) posed a High risk, while acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), PVC, and polyurethane (PU) were classified under Extreme Danger . These findings suggest that local agricultural practices, laundry activities, and waste disposal contribute to MP contamination in fish tissues, warranting further investigation into the health implications of MP consumption.