Microplastics in Sediments and Antique Ark Cockles (Anadara antiquata) from Surabaya Coastline, East Java

Microplastic contaminating the environment has become a global issue and is known to be found in marine biota. Surabaya coastline is the main area of community activities, thus contributing to the release of microplastics into the environment. Antique Ark cockle (Anadara antiquata) as bivalve is susceptible to microplastic contamination from the surrounding environment. This study aims to determine the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in A. antiquata and sediments collected from mangrove-covered area of Gunung Anyar (MGA) and coastal area of Bulak District (BLK). The number of microplastics in cockles was found higher in BLK (5,1 particles/individual) compared to MGA (2,3 particles/individual). Fiber (BLK = 64.13%, MGA = 54.64%) and fragment (BLK = 35.87%, MGA = 45.36%) were found in cockles, fiber was found to be dominating in cockles from both locations. The number of microplastics in sediment was also higher in BLK (361, 31 particles/kg dry weight) compared to MGA (170,82 particles/kg). Fragments (52.45%), fibers (47.19%), and pellets (0.25%) were found in BLK. Meanwhile, the microplastics found in MGA are fragments (51.10%), fibers (46.26%), filaments (2.20%), and pellets (0.44%). Fragments are dominating in both locations. Mann-Whitney test shows a significant abundance between microplastics found at BLK and MGA from sediment and cockles.