Analisis Keberadaan dan Bentuk Mikroplastik pada Air Minum dalam Kemasan (AMDK) yang Dijual di Kota Medan Tahun 2023

Abstract

Microplastics are the smallest form of plastic with a size of less than 5 mm. The purpose of this research is to analysis on the presence, forms, and consumer knowledge regarding microplastics in bottled drinking water (BDW) sold in Medan in 2023. This study is a descriptive survey. Samples were 50 consumers obtained using accidental sampling method while the research objects were 10 different brands of BDW sold in Medan. Data was analyzed descriptively in table and narrative format. Data collection was done using questionnaire, and laboratory test, and analyzed using univariate analysis. The study showed that all tested BDW samples contain microplastics with the amount ranging from 20-40 particles/liter. The characteristics of microplastics based on the form include fibers, fragments, films, and pellets. The microplastics ranged between 1-2 mm, 0.5-1 mm, 0.1-0.5 mm, and <0.1 mm based on size. Furthermore, black was the most common color of the microplastics. The consumers’ knowledge on microplastics in BDW under good category was 28 people (56%), moderate with 19 people (38%) and poor with 3 people (6%). It is suggested for future studies to conduct Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) after microscopic assessment to understand the chemical bonds of the microplastics samples and determine the type of plastics.