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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.
Microplastic pollution has become a critical environmental issue in coastal and estuarine ecosystems due to its persistence and potential impact on marine biota. This study aims to quantify the abundance and characterise the morphology, size, and colour of microplastics in both the surface water and sediment of Labuan Bay, while analyzing the influence of hydrodynamic factors on their distribution. Data collection was conducted at 9 sites representing riverine, estuarine, and marine zones. Surface water samples were collected using a plankton net, while sediment samples were collected using a Van Veen grab. Microplastic identification was conducted visually using a stereomicroscope. The results showed a mean microplastic abundance of 2.25 ± 0.99 particles/L in water and 1,566.67 ± 859.19 particles/kg in sediment. Fibres were the most prevalent morphology in the water (46.39%), whereas fragments dominated the sediment samples. Smaller particles (<200 µm) were more abundant in the sediment, while the 200–500 µm size range dominated the water column. PCA results (explaining 63.02% of the total variance) indicated that high current velocities trigger a flushing effect that reduces local abundance, whereas calm areas facilitate the deposition of denser particles. The findings suggest that Labuan Bay serves as a significant sink for microplastics, driven by domestic waste discharge and fishing activities. The study underscores the critical role of hydrodynamics and particle density in governing the transport and fate of microplastics in estuarine environments.
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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.
Spatial Distribution and Quantification of Microplastic Contamination in Sediments of Kaliratu Coastal Waters, Kebumen, Indonesia
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Researchers found microplastics in sediments along Kaliratu Beach in Indonesia at concentrations of 25–57.5 particles/kg, with fibres, fragments, films, and pellets all present, and used hydrodynamic modelling to trace how seasonal monsoon currents distribute them along the coastline. The findings highlight that even relatively remote Indonesian coastal areas near shrimp ponds and other anthropogenic activity are accumulating measurable plastic pollution.
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.
Environmental drivers of microplastic distribution within a highly urbanized reef system
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Scientists studying coral reefs near Singapore found that tiny plastic bits (microplastics) build up more in calm, low-wave areas with fine, muddy sediment—not necessarily where corals or seaweed grow thickest. This matters because these same calm zones tend to trap other pollutants too, meaning fish and seafood from these areas could carry a double dose of contamination that eventually makes its way to our dinner plates.
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Researchers found microplastics in both surface water and sediments across 12 coastal sampling sites in Jakarta Bay, Indonesia, documenting their abundance, distribution patterns, and morphological characteristics in a heavily urbanized tropical coastal environment.
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