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Comparing microplastic contamination in vannamei shrimp aquaculture: the impact of concrete and HDPE pond materials in Probolinggo, East Java, Indonesia
Summary
A study of shrimp aquaculture ponds in East Java, Indonesia found significantly higher microplastic concentrations in HDPE ponds (15,474 particles/m³ in water; 6.75 particles/g in tissue) compared to concrete ponds, with a moderate positive correlation between water and tissue levels. The pond material itself contributes to microplastic contamination in farmed shrimp, raising food safety concerns for a globally consumed seafood product.
Microplastic contamination in aquaculture systems is a growing environmental concern with implications for aquatic organisms and food safety. This study examines microplastic levels in shrimp aquaculture, comparing concrete and HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) ponds in Dringu District, Probolinggo, East Java, Indonesia. Analysis of water and shrimp tissue samples revealed higher microplastic concentrations in HDPE ponds, with fragments and fibers (mainly polyethylene and polypropylene) being predominant. The microplastic concentrations in HDPE ponds were found to be 15,474.07 ± 2107.05 particles/m3 in water and 6.75 ± 0.6 particles/g in shrimp tissues, while concrete ponds had concentrations of 11,933.33 ± 2009.73 particles/m3 in water and 4.63 ± 0.2 particles/g in shrimp tissues. A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.62) was found between microplastic levels in water and shrimp tissues, based on data from both concrete and HDPE ponds, indicating bioaccumulation. Environmental factors, particularly salinity, showed a strong correlation with microplastic concentrations. The data indicate higher microplastic concentrations in HDPE ponds compared to concrete ponds, suggesting that pond material may influence microplastic accumulation in shrimp tissues. The novelty of this study lies in its focus on the impact of pond materials (concrete vs. HDPE) on microplastic accumulation in aquaculture systems, providing new insights into how pond materials can influence contamination in shrimp farming. This study emphasizes the need for improved waste management practices to reduce microplastic contamination in shrimp aquaculture systems. Although differences in microplastic concentrations between concrete and HDPE ponds were observed, further research is required to fully understand the underlying factors contributing to microplastic accumulation and to develop effective strategies for mitigating contamination.