We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Spatial distribution of microplastic pollution and its relation to pollution index-based water quality status in Progo River, Indonesia
Summary
Researchers mapped microplastic distribution along Indonesia's heavily polluted Progo River, finding 75 to 436 plastic particles per cubic meter of water and showing that lower oxygen levels, higher organic pollution, and faster water flow all correlated with higher microplastic concentrations — evidence that plastic particles actively degrade river water quality.
Progo River, one of the largest rivers on Java Island, serves as the primary source of clean water and irrigation for Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Despite its importance, the Progo ranks among the top 20 global plastic-polluted rivers. Therefore, the objectives of this study were 1) to investigate spatial distribution and characteristics of microplastic (MP) pollution in the Progo River, and 2) to examine MP relation to the Nemerow Pollution Index (NPI) based water quality status, 15 physicochemical biological water quality parameters, flow velocity and anthropogenic factors, marking the first comprehensive effort in Indonesia. Water and MP samples were collected simultaneously from eight sampling locations. MP abundance in the Progo River ranged from 75.02 to 435.53 particles/m 3 . The MP characteristics were predominantly large, transparent, film-shaped particles, and identified variably as LDPE, PET, PP, PS, PAA, cellophane. The Pearson Correlation Test results revealed positive correlations between MP abundance and nine water quality parameters (TSS, turbidity, salinity, BOD, COD, phosphate, nitrate, detergent, Cd) and flow velocity. The other six parameters (pH, temperature, TDS, DO, total coliforms, Pb) and two anthropogenic factors (population number and density) were negatively correlated with MP abundance. Notably, DO exhibited a strong and significant negative correlation with MP abundance ( r = -0.770, p = 0.043 ). NPI scores (2.10–16.02) revealed slight to heavy polluted levels in the Progo River and were positively correlated with MP abundance ( r=0.336, p=0.461 ). Multiple Linear Regression analysis ( R 2 = 0.639 ) identified flow velocity, BOD, COD, turbidity, total coliform, and population number as significant predictors of MP distribution. These findings emphasize the impact of MP pollution on river water quality status, highlighting the need of a novel approach to incorporate MP pollution in periodic water quality assessment to address ecological risks. • Microplastic pollution was positively correlated to the Nemerow Pollution Index. • Higher microplastic abundance leads to higher NPI score, worsening water quality. • 15 water quality parameters showed certain correlations to microplastic abundance. • Multiple driving environmental factors influence microplastic spatial distribution. • Poly (acrylic acid) was first reported in microplastics from Indonesian rivers.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
The Abundance and Characteristics of Microplastics in the Sediments of the Progo River of Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Researchers analyzed microplastic abundance and characteristics in sediments of the Progo River in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, finding microplastics throughout the river system. Fragment and fiber types dominated, reflecting the widespread plastic waste inputs characteristic of rapidly developing Indonesian urban areas.
First evidence of microplastics in a freshwater river and their relationship to water quality
Researchers measured microplastic concentrations in a freshwater river used for recreational purposes and found a significant relationship between microplastic abundance and water physicochemical quality parameters, along with the presence of three organic compounds, providing evidence that microplastic pollution and water quality are closely linked.
Identifying the distribution and source of riverine plastic waste contamination: case study of Brantas River in Malang city
Researchers investigated microplastic concentrations and macroinvertebrate communities at three stations along the Brantas River in Malang City, Indonesia, integrating microplastic counts, SIGNAL-2 bioassessment scores, and household waste management surveys. The highest microplastic burden and lowest macroinvertebrate diversity occurred at the station where 80% of residents disposed of plastic waste directly into the river.
Correlation of Microplastic Size Distribution and Water Quality Parameters in the Upstream Brantas River
Researchers surveyed microplastic abundance and size distribution in the upstream Brantas River in Indonesia and analyzed correlations with water quality parameters, finding that smaller microplastic fragments were most prevalent and that microplastic levels related to several water quality indicators. The study contributes baseline data for managing plastic pollution in Indonesian river systems.
Assessment of Small-Scale Microplastics Abundance and Characterization in Urban River: A Case Study in Metro River, Indonesia
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in the Metro River in Indonesia, finding that abundance and characteristics varied by land use type, with urban areas showing higher concentrations of fragments and fibers in this rapidly developing region.