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Analysis of Microplastic Content in Surface Water of the Gajah Mungkur Reservoir in Indonesia
Summary
Researchers analyzed surface water from Indonesia's Gajah Mungkur Reservoir, a drinking water source, and found microplastics at every sampling location, with concentrations ranging from 340 to 820 particles per cubic meter. The dominant shapes were filaments and fibers, and the plastics identified included polypropylene and polystyrene. The highest contamination was found at an upstream river inlet, suggesting that rivers are a key delivery route for microplastics into the reservoir. The findings raise concerns about microplastic exposure through drinking water drawn from Indonesian surface water sources.
Abstract Dispose of plastic waste into surface water causes microplastic (MPs) pollution, which can pollute water areas such as in Gajah Mungkur Reservoir (GMR) Indonesia. This research aims to analyze the abundance, shape, and polymer type of the MPs found in the GMR area. The samples were collected at three locations (intake SPAM Wosusokas, the hydroelectric power plant (outlet), and the inlet (Check DAM Gedong in Keduang River). The water samples were taken 10 times using a 20 L container and then filtered using a 1.68 mm diameter plankton net (No. 14). Afterward, the sample was analysed using microscopical identification and FTIR-ATR analysis. The abundance and shape of the MPs sample were analyzed using microscopic identification. The polymer type of the sample was analyzed using FTIR analysis. Microplastic distribution in GMR areas was also mapped using a QGIS application. The average abundance of the MPs in the sampling location was 340-820 n/m 3 . The MPs shape found in the sample were fibre (39%), fragment (11%), and filament (50%). The highest microplastic abundance was found in Check DAM Gedong of Keduang River (inlet). Polymer types of the microplastic sample were polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS). These findings revealed that the MPs are already present at the surface water in Indonesia and threaten the water quality.