Date of Completion

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

Keywords

Ingestion, Microplastics, Nile Red, Pollutants, Stool samples

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs), synthetic polymer fragments measuring less than 5mm in size, are ubiquitous environmental pollutants increasingly detected in the human body. This brings concerns about its potential impact on human health. Ingestion is one of the key routes for human exposure to microplastics, primarily through food and water. While global studies identified microplastics in human stool, data remain limited in the Philippine context, especially among student populations. This cross-sectional study aimed to detect the presence and quantify microplastics in the stool samples of second-year Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science students from the De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute. Thirty (n=30) samples (15 male and 15 female) were analyzed using Nile Red staining and visualized under a dissecting microscope following organic digestion and vacuum filtration. Results showed that 100% of the stool samples tested positive for microplastics, averaging 26.83 particles per 0.32 g of stool. Descriptive analysis showed that the minimum number of microplastics counted was 1 for male and female participants, while the maximum was 133 for females and 53 for males. The mean concentration was 31.47 for females and 22.20 for males. However, further statistical tests concluded no significant difference in microplastic concentration between sexes (U = 111.000; p-value = 0.950). These findings suggest widespread exposure of microplastics among the participants, most likely linked to the daily intake of plastic-packaged food and beverages. This study emphasizes raising awareness and supporting sustainable lifestyle practices to reduce microplastic exposure.

First Advisor

Ms. Louella Abigail Asuncion, RMT, MSPH(c)

Download

Share

COinS