12 types of microplastics present in Laguna Lake — study

Up to 12 different types of microplastics were discovered in the waters of Laguna Lake by a study conducted by students and faculty from Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT).

According to a "24 Oras" report by Cedric Castillo on Thursday, the study show that water gathered near the provinces of Laguna and Rizal contained up to 10 microplastics per cubic meter. The amount is doubled in water samples taken near Metro Manila.

The collected samples were tested to contain traces of blue polypropylene, which is commonly seen on standard face masks and plastic packaging.

Microplastics are pieces of crushed plastic originating from bigger plastic products and are often smaller than 5 millimeters.

“It’s possible na maraming mga blue na himulmol. We are hypothesizing na posibleng ang iba ay galing sa ating mga sinusuot na mask,” MSU-IIT professor Dr. Hernando Bacosa said.

Meanwhile, the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) declined to issue a statement on the study.

"LLDA have not conducted any similar study thus we cannot provide comments, confirm or deny at this time the findings of the aforementioned study. The LLDA is not in any way involved in that study so any further clarifications should be coursed directly to the researchers," the LLDA said in a statement.

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) assured the quality of water supplied to Manila Water and Maynilad meets the standard.

"Both Manila Water and Maynilad are required to comply with Philippine national standards for drinking water. The MWSS-RO regularly conducts sampling to ensure that water is safe for drinking," the MWSS said in a statement.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), meanwhile, has not yet released a standard that would determine the normal microplastic count in water.

Fish that ingest microplastics would have issues with its digestive system, said Bacosa.

“Pag nakain ito ng mga isda ay pwede maapektuhan yung kanilang digestive system na siyempre hindi kayang tunawin ito ng isda. At, sa tao naman, pag pumasok itong micro at nano plastic, nagkakaroon ng oxidative stress. Nai-istress 'yung ating mga organ, at pag na-stress ang ating mga organ, di niya kayang ma-repair yung organ and then pag long term stress will lead to severe symptoms,” Bacosa added.

The scientists also reminded the public that a decrease in the use of plastics will help improve the water quality in Laguna Lake. — Jiselle Casucian/BAP, GMA Integrated News