Distribution of Microplastic Abundance and Composition in Surface Water around Anthropogenic Areas (Case Study: Jeneberang River, South Sulawesi, Indonesia)

Abstract

Microplastic research in urban and industrial areas has been done newly. However, there is still an absence and very little research about microplastic abundances caused by anthropogenic activities in the traditional market, industrial, recreation, and slum area, especially in the Jeneberang River. The Jeneberang River is located in Gowa Regency with its upstream in the Bili-Bili area and empties into the high seas, namely Tanjung Bayang. Jeneberang River water is also used as a source of raw water and for other uses. Therefore, research on the distribution of microplastics in this area is significant to analyze. Microplastic abundance, size, and type research are minimal compared to marine microplastics. Surface water of the river was obtained at eight stations and grouped into four locations based on land use at the riverbank. Microplastic particles were identified using a binocular microscope and categorized by shape and size. The average microplastic concentration fluctuated. It starts from 2.00 ± 1.30 particles per liter of surface water to 5.77 ± 1.25 microplastic particles per liter of surface water. The data on microplastic engagement has been distributed normally (Shapiro-Wilk; p-value > 0.05). Microfiber is the type of microplastic that usually exists in river samples, followed by fragments and films. The Average Size of particles is between 15.33 mm and 26.67 mm. Station 1 A in ± 60 m near the traditional market has a higher microplastic concentration with an average of 5.77 ± 1.25 particle/L, compared to station 2 B and 4 B, which is 4.20 ± 1.30 and 3.93 ± 1.32, respectively.