Microplastics in Sediment and Digestive Tract of Amazon Sailfin Catfish (Pterygoplichthys Spp.) in the middle segment of the Citarum River, Karawang, West Java, Indonesia

Microplastic pollution, primarily driven by industrial, residential, and agricultural activities, is a growing concern in the middle section of the Citarum River, Indonesia. Microplastics research was conducted three times in the central Citarum watershed from February to April 2022. This study investigates the types, abundance, and polymer composition of microplastics found in the sediment and digestive tract of the Amazon sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys spp.). Four types of microplastic-pellets, films, fibers, and fragments were identified, with an average abundance of 602.22 ± 563.87 particles/kg in sediment and 90.6 ± 40.7 particles/individual in catfish. The majority of particles were smaller than 0.3 mm. Identified polymers included Polyamide (PA), Polystyrene (PS), Polypropylene (PP), Cellulose Acetate (CA), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Melamine, Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), Polyethylene (PE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in microplastic pollution among industrial, densely populated residential, and agricultural areas. These findings underscore the widespread distribution of microplastics in the Citarum River and highlight the need for comprehensive mitigation strategies.