Assessment of microplastic abundance in Central Java coastal waters: a study of Sendang Sikucing, Karangjahe, and Caruban Beaches

Abstract

Marine pollution caused by plastic waste is a problem that occurs in many places. Plastic waste is a type of waste that is difficult to decompose, requiring a very long time to decompose. Plastic degrades into smaller particles known as microplastics, which can accumulate in seawater. Microplastics can transfer to humans and are carcinogenic. This study is a preliminary investigation of microplastic pollution in beach waters surrounded by industrial activities, tourism and fishing activities. From the analysis of microplastics from the three locations above, it can be seen that the abundance of microplastics in the area is dangerous or still at the normal threshold. Determination of the research location using purposive sampling method. Identification of microplastic particles in water samples using wet filtration to obtain microplastic samples < 5 mm using a 5 mm and 0.3 mm stainless steel mesh filter that is stacked. The abundance of microplastics in the waters of Sendang Sikucing Beach was 0.01863 particles/m³, Karang Jahe Beach was 0.26315 particles/m³, and Caruban Beach was 0.05022 particles/m³. The types of microplastics found in both waters are the same, namely fragments, fibers and films.