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Microplastics in tropical coastal and river sediments in a non-industrial urban area: Correlations with land use and potential sources
Summary
Researchers studying rivers and coastlines in Aceh, Indonesia found that microplastic pollution wasn't just about nearby factories—it was tied to how crowded an area was and how well waste was managed. Surprisingly, tourist beaches had less microplastic contamination than non-tourist areas, likely because they're cleaned more carefully. Since microplastics can enter the food chain (including seafood we eat) and their health effects are still being studied, understanding where they come from—even in places without heavy industry—helps communities target cleanup and waste management efforts where they're needed most.
This study investigated the complex relationships among environmental factors in coastal settings and identified potential sources of microplastics in tropical coastal and river sediments within a non-industrial urban area. The research was conducted along the northern coast of Aceh, Indonesia, encompassing two river estuaries: the Krueng Aceh and Krueng Lamnyong. The results indicate that land use, population density, and distance from the river estuary influence the distribution of microplastics in coastal sediments. The Krueng Aceh River, which is associated with a higher population density, exhibited greater levels of microplastic contamination than the Krueng Lamnyong River. The formation of estuarine turbidity maxima (ETM) is considered a key factor controlling microplastic distribution along the Krueng Aceh River, whereas distribution patterns in the Krueng Lamnyong River appear to be more strongly influenced by local anthropogenic activities and environmental conditions. The study area is distinctive because, despite the absence of major industrial sources, identifying microplastic origins remains complex. In coastal zones, tourist sites tend to exhibit lower microplastic abundances, likely due to stricter waste management practices, whereas non-tourist areas show higher levels of contamination. This study provides new insights into the distribution and potential sources of microplastics in tropical non-industrial urban environments and offers a foundation for developing more effective mitigation strategies for microplastic pollution.