Microplastics Identification As Bioremediation In The Tello River Makassar

Introduction: Microplastics are the smallest pieces of plastic measuring >5 mm. Microplastics that enter the environment will accumulate in the water and are not easily removed because of their persistent nature. The activity and pollutant sources strongly influence the abundance of microplastics. Objective: identify and map microplastics and identify the existence of the bacteria Pseudomonas as microbial decomposers in the Tello River, Makassar. Method: Methods: This study is a descriptive observational study to examine. This study was conducted from January to February 2021, in the Tello River, Makassar. Result: The results of this study show an abundance of microplastics in the Tello River of 0.911 ± 0.022 MPs/L, The sizes of microplastics found are >1 mm and 1.00-4.75 mm, no microplastic size of >4.75 was found. with the same form and size characteristics, and in general, with a different microplastic color. Conclusion: The existence of microplastics in the river indicates that the Tello River has been polluted. The existence of the bacteria Pseudomonas in the Tello River plays a role in the degradation of plastics into microplastics Conclusion: From the results of this study, it is suggested that the government regulate the management of plastic waste, with the involvement of law enforcers and related stakeholders so that people do not dispose of plastic waste in rivers, drainage, or sea.