Karakteristik Mikroplastik pada Sedimen di Wilayah Pesisir Pulau Sumatera

Abstract

Microplastic pollution in coastal areas is an increasing environmental problem due to human activities and poorly managed plastic waste. This study aims to identify the characteristics of microplastics in sediments in the coastal areas of Sumatra Island, including their types, colors, sizes, and distributions. Sampling was carried out at 10 research stations spread across several coastal locations in Sumatra. Analysis was carried out using the stereo microscope method and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) test to identify the types of microplastic polymers. The results showed that microplastics were found in all locations with the dominant types being fragments, followed by films, fibers, pelets, and foams. The most common microplastic colors found were black, red, and white, while the dominant microplastic sizes ranged from 1000-2000 µm. The FT-IR test results revealed that the dominant polymer types were Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), and Nylon. Spatial distribution showed that the highest abundance of microplastics was in Belawan and Tanjung Balai, which was most likely caused by port and fisheries activities in the area.