| dc.description.abstract | The production of plastics in this era has resulted in a diversity of plastics with various properties, types of polymers, and colors, tailored to the usage of the plastic. The increase in plastic production is accompanied by a rise in plastic waste, thus increasing the presence of plastics in the environment. The presence of plastics in the environment, particularly in aquatic ecosystems, can cause pollution and lead to the degradation of plastics into smaller sizes known as microplastics. Microplastics in aquatic environments can be unintentionally ingested by aquatic organisms, including fish. Fish caught near urban areas have been found to contain microplastics, indicating potential accumulation due to higher concentrations in the environment from continuous urban waste inputs. The aim of this study is to analyze the abundance and types of plastic polymers in microplastics found in surface water samples, sediments, and Baung fish (Hemibagrus nemurus) in the Siak River, Pekanbaru City. Sample processing was conducted in six stages, including organic matter degradation, density separation, sieving, drying, visual analysis using a binocular microscope, and Fourier Transform Infra Red (FT-IR) analysis. The average abundance of microplastics in water samples ranged from 14,7 to 23,3/L. The average abundance of microplastics in sediment samples ranged from 20 to 32,67/kg. The average abundance of microplastics in the digestive tract of baung fish ranged from 13,8 to 31,22/mL. The average abundance of microplastics in baung fish flesh ranged from 1,12 to 2,08/g. Plastic polymer identification in surface water and sediment samples revealed the presence of PET, Nylon, PMMA, ABS, PS, and PVC polymers. FT-IR analysis of baung fish samples identified ABS, PP, LDPE/HDPE, PS, PVC, PET, Nylon, EVA, and PMMA plastic polymers. | en_US |
