First Evidence of Microplastic Ingestion in Commercially Consumed Marine Gastropods (Conomurex luhuanus and Canarium spp.) from Davao Gulf

This study assessed the presence of microplastics (MPs) in the tissues of commercially consumed marine gastropods from the Davao Gulf. A total of 180 individuals were examined. One MP was detected in Conomurex luhuanus (Liswe) and one in Canarium spp. (Aninikad) from Davao del Sur, while two MPs were detected in C. luhuanus from Davao Occidental. The particles were classified into three categories: fibers, films, and fragments, with sizes ranging from 0.8 to 2.0 mm. Of the four MPs identified, three were blue. Microplastic density was 0.07 particles per individual in both C. luhuanus and Canarium spp. from Davao del Sur, and 0.13 particles per individual in C. luhuanus from Davao Occidental. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polypropylene (PP) as the predominant polymers. These findings provide preliminary evidence of microplastic contamination in marine gastropods from the Davao Gulf, highlighting potential ecological impacts and raising concerns about food safety, while also underscoring the need for improved plastic waste management and monitoring of seafood resources in the region.