Distribution and abundance of macroplastic at Musi estuary, South Sumatera, Indonesia

Abstract

Musi River in the upstream and estuary is used for fisheries, transportation, industry, and settlement. These activities has potential to produce plastic waste with various types and sizes, one of them is macroplastic (2.5-100 cm). This study aims to determine the distribution and abundance of macroplastic in the upstream and estuary of the Musi River. This study used a purposive sampling method with 6 stations, 2 stations in the upstream and 4 stations in the estuary. Macroplastic sampling used transect quadrants then sample is cleaned and dried, counted, identified and weighed for each type. And for macroplastic coverage by taking photos of each transect quadrant, then calculate the percent of coverage using the Point Intercept Transect (PIT) method. The results of this study indicate that the macroplastic abundance in the upstream and estuary of the Musi River ranges from 5-32 items/m2 with an average weight of 27.82 – 126.89 gr/m2. Macroplastic types are dominated by plastics fragments, food wrappers, other jugs/containers, bags/films, and cups, while macroplastic coverage is dominated by bags/films.