Identification Of The Microplastic Accumulation Potential in Lemna Minor Plant

Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm that pollute soil, water, and living organisms, and can carry toxic substances into environment. Therefore, efficient methods are needed to remove microplastics from the environment. Lemna minor is a small, fast-growing aquatic plant that is tolerant of pollution and is believed to be capable of absorbing microplastics from water bodies. This study aims to examine the potential of Lemna minor to absorb microplastics using water samples from the Citarum River, which contains microplastics with specific characteristics. The research focuses on analyzing microplastic accumulation, absorption efficiency, plant growth, characteristics of absorbed microplastics, and recommendations for ideal absorption conditions. The plants were incubated in the water samples for 14 days, with a 3-day acclimatization period to ensure optimal environmental adaptation. Observations were conducted periodically on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 to measure microplastic accumulation and biomass changes. Results showed that the most effective absorption occurred between days 5 and 7, with a removal rate reaching 6% per gram of plant biomass (with 15 g biomass). Additionally, the plants exhibited rapid growth until day 7, with a growth rate of 25%. The most absorbed microplastics were fiber-shaped (87%), blue in color (54.5%), and sized 1001–3000 μm.