Determination and Characterization of Microplastics in Wawa Dam of Rodriguez Rizal, Philippines

Microplastic contamination of freshwater Gysloms has become a pressing onvironmental 

concern worldwido. This study characterized microplastics In the surface walors of Wavia 

Dam, Rodriguez, Rizal, Philippines. focusing on particles ranging from 0.3 10 5 mm. Across three sampling trials conducted on soparale dalos, 200-L (0.06 m3) surface water samples were collected using a stainless-steel bucket from upstream, midstream, and downstream 

stations. Microplastics woro isolalod through scrooning, digestion, and density separation, then identified via filtration and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray 

spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Microplastics were detected at all sampling sites, with 

concentrations ranging from 35 to 140 items/m3. The upstream slation recorded the lowest 

average concentration (15 items/n2), while the midstream statlon recorded the highest 

(103.33 Items/m3). Spatial distribution patterns indicated elevated microplastic concentrations 

near residential and recreational areas, pointing to local anthropogenic activity as a likely 

contributing source. These findings highlight the need for targeted waste management 

interventions and establish a baseline dataset to guide future monitoring and mitigation efforts 

in the Wawa Dam watershed.