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Microplastic Pollution in Beach Sediments Influenced by Fishing and Tourism in Cirebon, Indonesia
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Researchers found tiny plastic fragments—mostly bits of plastic film from packaging—scattered across beach sediments in a busy Indonesian coastal city, largely coming from household trash washing into the ocean near fishing communities. Half of these plastic particles were smaller than 1mm, meaning they're small enough to easily enter the food chain through fish and seafood that people eat. This matters because it shows how everyday plastic waste and weak trash disposal systems can directly pollute the seafood many coastal communities rely on for food.
Coastal areas support diverse human activities such as fishing, aquaculture, salt farming, and tourism, but are increasingly vulnerable to plastic pollution. This study investigates microplastic contamination in beach sediments of Cirebon, Indonesia—a densely populated coastal city with intense trade and tourism. Fifteen sediment samples were collected from five sites, representing both fishermen settlements and tourist beaches. The average microplastic abundance was 583.33 ± 166.09 particles·kg⁻¹ dry weight. Although particle abundance did not significantly differ among sites, significant variation was observed in microplastic size. Films were the dominant morphotype (84%), with white being the most common color (48%). Smaller particles (<1 mm) comprised 51% of total microplastics. Fourier Transform Infra-Red analysis of microplastics sized 2–5 mm identified polyethylene as the most abundant polymer (50%), commonly used in packaging and household products. Raman spectroscopy also revealed organic pigments potentially containing metal-based fouling agents. The dominance of plastic films, especially near settlements, suggests direct household waste discharge into the ocean. These findings highlight the role of human activity and inadequate waste infrastructure in driving coastal microplastic pollution. Effective waste management strategies and public awareness are essential to mitigate further contamination and protect coastal ecosystems
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Identification of Marine Debris on Marannu Beach Pasimarannu Village, Sinjai Regency
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Researchers surveying a beach in Indonesia found that plastic waste—much of it still in larger, unbroken pieces—makes up most of the trash washing ashore, driven by nearby fishing, tourism, and everyday household waste. This matters because as this plastic sits in the environment, it gradually breaks down into microplastics that can enter the food chain (including seafood we eat) and pollute coastal waters people swim and fish in, highlighting why better waste management and cleanup efforts are needed to protect both ecosystems and human health.
Hydrodynamic and anthropogenic drivers of microplastic distribution in Labuan Bay, Banten
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Researchers found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in both the water and seafloor sediment of Labuan Bay in Indonesia, coming mainly from household waste and fishing gear, with calmer waters allowing more plastic to settle and build up over time. This matters because these accumulation zones are often near fishing grounds, meaning the microplastics can work their way into seafood and, eventually, onto our plates, making it important to reduce plastic waste at the source before it reaches these vulnerable coastal ecosystems.
Assessment of Microplastic Pollution Load Index in Gisik Cemandi River Estuary
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Researchers found tiny plastic fragments (microplastics) in every single water and sediment sample from an Indonesian river estuary, mostly tiny fibers likely from clothing, fishing nets, and household waste. This matters because these waterways often connect to fish and seafood that people eat, meaning the plastic pollution could work its way into our food supply — and the pollution levels here were high enough to be flagged as a real environmental risk requiring cleanup action.
Distribution of Microplastics in Coastal Waters and Their Implications for the Marine Food Chain
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Researchers sampled surface water, sediments, and marine organisms from urban, industrial, and conservation coastal zones in Indonesia to assess microplastic distribution and food chain implications. Industrial zones had the highest microplastic concentrations, and filter feeders accumulated more particles than fin fish, indicating distinct exposure pathways through the marine food web.
Linking the Tourism Activity to the Occurrence and Distribution of Microplastics
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Researchers assessed microplastic abundance, type, and spatial distribution in coastal water, sediments, and fish across three zones of Gili Trawangan, Indonesia, finding that tourism-related activities concentrated microplastics at recreational beaches with concentrations reaching 19.25 particles/L.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.