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The Effects of Polyethylene Microplastic Accumulation on Rhizophora mucronata Seedling Survival in the Mangrove Ecosystem of South Jakarta
Summary
Scientists found that tiny plastic particles in soil dramatically reduce the survival of young mangrove trees, with survival rates dropping from 80% in clean soil to just 20% in heavily polluted soil. This matters because mangrove forests protect coastlines from storms and flooding while filtering water that eventually reaches humans. As plastic pollution increases in coastal areas, we could lose these natural barriers that help protect communities and clean our environment.
This study investigates the impact of polyethylene microplastic accumulation on the survival of Rhizophora mucronata seedlings in South Jakarta’s TWA Mangrove Angke Kapuk. Fifteen mangrove seedlings were cultivated over a 15-day experimental period in sediment treatments with 0 g, 15 g, and 30 g of polyethylene microplastics per 300 g of sediment. Survival rates were recorded at intervals of 0, 5, 8, 10, and 15 days. Results revealed a strong negative correlation (r = –0.982) between microplastic concentration and seedling survival, with survival declining from 80% (control) to 60% (low concentration) and 20% (high concentration). These findings demonstrate that polyethylene microplastics significantly hinder seedling viability by altering sediment structure, reducing aeration, and restricting nutrient uptake. The study underscores the susceptibility of Jakarta's mangrove ecosystems to microplastic pollution and stresses the necessity of sediment quality management in restoration initiatives. This research contributes to growing evidence of how microplastic pollution can disrupt early plant development and impair coastal ecosystem recovery.