Depuration of mussels (Pilsbryoconcha exilis) from microplastics using banana peel adsorbents in coastal areas of Indonesia

Global contamination of the marine environment by plastics has led to the discovery of microplastics in various marine species, including those for human consumption. Depuration reduces the concentration of microplastics and in turn, reduces human exposure to microplastics that enter the human body. This study looked at the effectiveness of microplastic depuration on Pilsbryoconcha exilis using a natural adsorbent from banana peel. An investigation was also conducted on effectiveness by time variation to determine the most viable depuration time. A completely randomised design was employed with two repetitions of mussel treatment for durations of 12, 24, and 36 h. The results showed that the effectiveness of depuration by time variation was fluctuating. The most effective depuration time was 12 h. The highest average concentration of microplastics, 0.555 MPs∙ind–1, occurred after 24 h of depuration, while the lowest, 0.370 MPs∙ind–1, did after 12 h of depuration. Dry banana peel as a depuration adsorbent was proven to reduce the number of microplastics. More research is needed on depuration and the most effective types of adsorbents. Research like this will help many people reduce the quantity of microplastics that enter the body.