RESUMEN
Even though Pacific - Indian Ocean exchange [Indonesian Throughflow (ITF)] has been measured for the last three decades, the measurements of microplastic in the region is very limited. This study was the initial investigation of the vertical distribution of microplastic in the deep-sea areas across the ITF Pathway. Niskin water samples were utilized to obtain the samples from a water column in a range of 5 to 2450 m. A total of 924 microplastic particles with an average abundance of 1.062 ± 0.646. n/L were found in the water column. Our findings indicate that water temperature and water density are the most significant factors correlated to the microplastic concentration. This study will be the first report discussing the distribution of microplastics in the deep-sea water column that could be highly significant in determining the fate and transport of microplastic within Indonesian waters that exits into the Indian Ocean.
Asunto(s)
Microplásticos , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua , Plásticos , Indonesia , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/análisis , Agua , Monitoreo del AmbienteRESUMEN
Plastic pollution in mangroves located in small islands was not well documented. This study found that mangrove ecosystem in small island was polluted by plastic debris (mainly film: 63% and fiber: 31%). Density of plastic debris in mangrove area was ranging from 10 ± 4 items m-2 to 230 ± 75 items m-2, mean density was 92 ± 28 items m-2. Landward was the most polluted zone mangrove (mean density: 155 ± 58 items m-2) or about 61% of plastic debris was distributed in this zone. This is corresponds to the sources of plastic waste was from land such as households and markets. Mean density of plastic debris was significantly correlated with mangrove health (r2 = 0.59, p = 0.00). This indicated that plastic debris negatively affected mangrove ecosystem directly and indirectly. Effective land-based plastic waste management and actions such as regular beach cleanup are essential to reduce plastic pollution and to ensure mangrove conservation.