Microplastic Observations in the Waters of Labuan Bajo-Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

Abstract

These microplastics can be found near sources of waste or have spread to waters near remote islands, in fragment, fiber, film, or styrofoam. The 5Gyres Expedition 2018, using KLM Sea Safari VII, sailed along Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, on 21-29 July 2018. One of the objectives of this expedition was to collect data on the abundance of microplastic marine debris (< 5 mm in size) from Labuan waters. Bajo to Lombok, which has not been recorded until now. Seawater samples were taken at the surface at 12 different locations during the expedition. The process of separating microplastics in seawater samples was carried out in the laboratory. Identifying the shape and total concentration of microplastics (microplastic particles per liter) was carried out using a microscope. As a result, microplastics were found in all seawater samples in the form of fibers and fragments. Microplastics in fiber were found in all locations (12 locations), while fragments were only found in 6 areas. In the waters near Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, microplastic marine debris in fiber was found, as much as ten particles/liter. Meanwhile, 27 particles/liter in fragments were found near Gili Banta Island, West Nusa Tenggara. Currents around the area are thought to have contributed to the spread of microplastics.