Low microplastic abundance in Siganus spp. from the Tañon Strait, Central Philippines.

Microplastic (MP) occurrence is a major global issue, though data on MP occurrence in the Philippines is limited and the potential effects of MPs on biota are still poorly studied. MP occurrence in fishes remains a concern, especially in economically and ecologically important species such as Siganus spp. This study determined MP occurrence in the gastrointestinal tract of wild rabbit fishes from Tañon Strait, the largest marine protected area in the Philippines.

Preliminary Assessment on the Histological Changes in Juvenile Siganus guttattus (Bloch, 1787) Exposed to Plastic Debris.

Plastic debris is ubiquitous in the marine environment and many of this is polyethylene based plastic bags. Its potential effect on marine organisms is still understudied. Hence, this study determined the histological changes induced in the intestine and liver of the juvenile rabbit fish, Siganus guttatus.

Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Pectin from "Saba" Banana Peel Waste: Optimization, Characterization, and Rheology Study.

One way to valorize "Saba" banana peel waste is to extract high-value compounds, such as pectin, and use it for food applications. In this study, the parameters for the microwave-assisted extraction of pectin were screened and optimized using Response Surface Methodology. The pectin was purified and then subjected to characterization.

Metal Concentrations in Sediments of the Alinsaog River, Santa Cruz, Zambales, Central Luzon, Philippines.

Background: Efforts are needed to evaluate heavy metal concentrations in aquatic sediments which serve as repositories and as sources of contamination of other habitats.

Objectives: The present study assessed temporal changes in the pH, particle size and concentration of metals in sediments of a mining-affected river in Zambales, Philippines.

Methods: Sediment samples were collected at different periods in four stations along the river using a modified Van Veen grab.

Impact of Abandoned Mining Facility Wastes on the Aquatic Ecosystem of the Mogpog River, Marinduque, Philippines.

Background: Mine waste from abandoned mining sites can cause environmental degradation and ecological imbalance to receiving water bodies. Heavy metal pollution affects local communities and may pose health risks to the general public. An abandoned mining facility in Marinduque, Philippines, situated on the of Mogpog River, continuously deposits mine wastes, which may affect the river and the health of local communities.

Preliminary Water and Sediment Quality Assessment of the Meycauayan River Segment of the Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando River System in Bulacan, the Philippines.

Background: The Meycauayan River is considered one of the most severely polluted rivers in the Philippines due to heavy metal and organic pollution that has caused environmental degradation.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to provide insight on the current status of the Meycauayan River and outline an appropriate strategy to solve problems of organic and heavy metal contamination.

Methods: The physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the water and sediments were analyzed and evaluated based on available local and international standards.

Assessment of the Effect of Remediation Strategies on the Environmental Quality of Aquaculture Ponds in Marilao and Meycauayan, Bulacan, Philippines.

Background: Water quality in the Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando river system (MMORS) of Bulacan, the Philippines, is of great concern due to the pollution load from local industries. The river system is currently used as a source of water for the aquaculture industry in Bulacan.

Objectives: In order to address organic and heavy metal pollution, several remediation strategies were tested in aquaculture ponds along the river system.

Functional group analysis during ozonation of sunflower oil methyl esters by FT-IR and NMR.

Ozonation of neat sunflower oil (SFO) methyl esters was monitored by FT-IR and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. During the early stage of ozonation, ozone absorption was essentially quantitative. This was accompanied by the formation of 1,2,4-trioxolane.