Microplastic Detection in Lawaye River, San Juan, Batangas City, Philippines Using Front-Face Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Jowi Rapha Cruz, Jowi Rapha Cruz, Jowi Rapha Cruz, Jejomar Bulan, Aubrey Razon, Michaelina Smith, Galvez Maria Cecilia

2025

Abstract

The Lawaye River in San Juan, Batangas plays a crucial role in sustaining the very complex local ecosystem within the city. As it is utilized for irrigation for agricultural activities, household needs, fishing, and tourism. However, increasing human activities pose significant threats to these vital bodies of water. Pollution, particularly from microplastics, is a major concern due to its detrimental impacts on aquatic life and potential human health risks. Studies have demonstrated the widespread presence of microplastics in various organisms and their ability to accumulate in vital organs, including the brain. This study investigated the presence of microplastics in the Lawaye River. Surface water samples (50 cm depth) were collected and subjected to initial debris removal. Subsequently, samples were treated with a KOH solution to dissolve organic matter and filtered through a 0.3 mm glass filter. Microscopic examination revealed the presence of microplastics in various forms, including fragments, fibers, and films. Further fluorescence spectroscopy analysis, based on known excitation-emission wavelengths of different plastics, suggested the potential presence of microplastics, specifically Polypropylene (PP) and potentially Polystyrene (PS) which is commonly used on single-use plastics.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Cruz J., Bulan J., Razon A., Smith M. and Cecilia G. (2025). Microplastic Detection in Lawaye River, San Juan, Batangas City, Philippines Using Front-Face Fluorescence Spectroscopy. In Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Photonics, Optics and Laser Technology - Volume 1: SpecSI; ISBN 978-989-758-736-8, SciTePress, pages 173-177. DOI: 10.5220/0013444500003902

in Bibtex Style

@conference{specsi25,
author={Jowi Cruz and Jejomar Bulan and Aubrey Razon and Michaelina Smith and Galvez Cecilia},
title={Microplastic Detection in Lawaye River, San Juan, Batangas City, Philippines Using Front-Face Fluorescence Spectroscopy},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Photonics, Optics and Laser Technology - Volume 1: SpecSI},
year={2025},
pages={173-177},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013444500003902},
isbn={978-989-758-736-8},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Photonics, Optics and Laser Technology - Volume 1: SpecSI
TI - Microplastic Detection in Lawaye River, San Juan, Batangas City, Philippines Using Front-Face Fluorescence Spectroscopy
SN - 978-989-758-736-8
AU - Cruz J.
AU - Bulan J.
AU - Razon A.
AU - Smith M.
AU - Cecilia G.
PY - 2025
SP - 173
EP - 177
DO - 10.5220/0013444500003902
PB - SciTePress