Distribution and mitigation efforts for microplastic pollution in Kendari bay as the mainstay coastal tourism area of Southeast Sulawesi

Abstract

Marine waste, especially plastic waste, is a complex problem faced by areas close to the beach/coastal area. This problem also occurs in Kendari Bay which has a unique character because of its position stretching in the middle of Kendari City, its shape is like a horse’s footprint and as a mainstay tourist attraction in Southeast Sulawesi. This study aims to analyze the distribution of microplastic abundance in sediments and marine biota, analyze water quality in the microplastic abundance distribution area, and determine efforts to mitigate pollution of plastic waste in Kendari Bay. A sampling of sediments and biota from 2 stations (settlement and port) using paralon pipes at depths of 0-5 cm and 5-10 cm. Seawater quality parameters are parameters related to solid waste pollution based on UNESCO-WHO-UNEP and the method for water quality analysis refers to APHA-AWWA-WEF. The results showed that the types of microplastics found were film, fragment, and fiber. The average abundance of microplastics in Station I (Mata Village, Kendari City) and Station II (Kendari Archipelago Harbor) at a depth of 0-5 cm range from 426.82-424.92 particles/kg. This value is higher than the microplastic abundance at 5-10 cm depth, which is between 276.50 to 363.74 particles/kg. The average abundance of film-type microplastics and fragments at 0-5 cm depth was higher at Station I (203.75 particles/kg and 359.90 particles/kg). The microplastic category of fragments/debris at a depth of 5-10 cm, was found at Station II (409.06 particles/kg). Biota found in Station I sediments were blood shells (AnadaraSp) With microplastic fragment type (1 particle) and fiber type (2 particles) with an average abundance of 0.12 particles/Ind. Fiber-type microplastics are found in tofu skin (Maretrixmaretrix) of 5 particles with an average abundance of 0.5 particles/Ind. and Violin Crab (Uca), 1 particle with an average abundance of 0.04 particles/Ind. Water quality in the area of microplastic abundance found NH3, BOD, Phosphate (PO43-), Nitrate (NO3−), Phenol (C6H5OH), detergent and fat oil content have exceeded the quality standard. Mitigation efforts that can be done are 6R, separating the types of waste from the beginning, encouraging the role of government through education and regulation, research and technology support as well as bay cleaning measures so as to beautify the bay and improve the comfort of the local community and visitors so that the function of Kendari Bay as a tourist area the mainstay coast of Southeast Sulawesi remains sustainable.