MSU at Naawan Leads Capacity-Building Training on Microplastic Contamination Assessment at CMU

The Center for Microplastic Research and Innovation (CMRI) of Mindanao State University at Naawan led a three-day Training and Workshop on Microplastic Contamination Assessment on October 20–22, 2025, at Central Mindanao University (CMU). The activity was hosted by the CMU Department of Chemistry and the Center for Natural Products Research, Development, and Extension (CNPRDE), through Director Dr. Aileen May G. Ang and Department Chair Dr. Miguel Angelito T. Lacasan.

As the primary knowledge and technical resource provider, MSU at Naawan, through CMRI, shared standardized and research-based methodologies for microplastic monitoring and analysis. The workshop covered field sampling design, sample digestion, density separation, filtration and extraction techniques, microplastic classification and characterization, data recording, and quality assurance procedures for polymer confirmation.

The training team was composed of For. Sherley Ann T. Inocente, MSc, Center Head of CMRI, together with CMRI research staff Zy D. Perpetua, MSc; Lea G. Navidad, MSc; and Justine Benitez. Faculty and students from CMU’s Departments of Chemistry, Biology, and Environmental Science, along with the College of Forestry and Environmental Science, participated in the training to strengthen institutional competencies in conducting microplastic contamination studies.

This collaboration highlights the role of MSU at Naawan as a leading source of expertise and research development in microplastic science and emphasizes the shared commitment of MSUN and CMU to advancing science-based environmental research and promoting a deeper understanding of microplastic pollution and its environmental and public health implications.