Pauleanne B. Nacario, Philippe Anthony M. Alfafara, Nelle Andrian M. Ceniza, Eugene T. Bacolod, Maria Kristina O. Paler, Maria Ligaya S. Suico, Noel Peter B. Tan, Lorenz Inri C. Banabatac
The plastic revolution's contribution to global pollution gives rise to microplastics (MPs), bearing a toll on the marine environment. Knowledge of mangrove exposure to MPs causing adverse effects has yet to be elucidated. Hence, the physiological responses of R. mucronata propagules exposed to ubiquitous High-Density Polyethylene Microplastics (HDPE-MPs) were investigated. The set-up consists of a control (0 mg/L) and an environmentally relevant treatment group (32.65 mg/L), acclimatized and exposed for three months. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) shows agglomeration of HDPE-MPs on root surfaces and translocation to the shoot system of smaller MPs (< 50 μm). Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR) confirmed uptake in the roots. Root length, count, plant height, foliar area, and oxidative stress biomarkers (carbonyl protein and total chlorophyll) all show significant differences (p < 0.05). Indeed, plastic pollution has detrimental effects on mangroves that may consequently affect mangrove forest diversity and productivity. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd
Research on the Environment, Analytical Chemistry, Toxicology Group (Re-EnACT Group), University of San Carlos, Cebu City, 6000, Philippines; Department of Chemistry, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, 6000, Philippines; Department of Biology, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, 6000, Philippines; Community Extension Services (CES), University of San Carlos, Cebu City, 6000, Philippines; Center for Advanced New Materials, Engineering, and Emerging Technologies (CANMEET), University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, 5000, Philippines
