Microplastics contamination in aquaculture-rich regions: A case study in Gresik, East Java, Indonesia

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Aquatic Ecology
• Pollution Studies

Background:

• Plastic waste accumulation, including microplastics (MPs), is a global environmental concern.
• Aquatic ecosystems are vulnerable to MP contamination, affecting marine organisms like fish.
• Milkfish aquaculture is a significant industry in Indonesia, potentially exposed to MP pollution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct the first quantitative and qualitative analysis of microplastic abundance in milkfish aquaculture ponds.
• To identify the types, sizes, colors, and polymer composition of microplastics in water and sediment.
• To investigate the correlation between MP presence and human activities, and its implications for farmed milkfish.

Main Methods:

• Water and sediment samples collected from three stations in Gresik, East Java, Indonesia (February-April 2021).
• Microplastic analysis using one-way ANOVA and Pearson's correlation.
• Identification of MP types (fragments, fibers, films, pellets) and polymer composition (PP, PU, PC, PETE, HDPE, LDPE).

Main Results:

• Highest MP abundance observed in March: 10.40 particles/L in water and 1.15 particles/g in sediment.
• Predominant MP sizes: 100-500 μm in water and <100 μm in sediment.
• Eight MP colors identified; various polymer types detected, linked to surrounding human activities.

Conclusions:

• Microplastic pollution is present in Indonesian milkfish aquaculture ponds.
• MP abundance is correlated with local human activities, posing a risk to milkfish nutritional quality.
• Findings provide crucial data for waste management policies to protect environmental and human health.