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Microplastic Contamination in Sediment and Dominant Fish in Mangrove Area of Banda Aceh City, Aceh Province, Indonesia
Summary
Researchers found microplastics in the digestive systems and flesh of three fish species -- mullet, glassfish, and mudskipper -- as well as in mangrove sediments across sampling stations in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. The detection of nylon and polypropylene microplastics directly in fish flesh rather than only digestive tissue signals a pathway for human dietary exposure through commonly consumed seafood in Southeast Asian coastal communities.
Abstract The waters of mangrove ecosystem in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, are primarily inhabited by mullet fish (Mugil cephalus), glassfish (Ambassis nalua), and mudskipper (Periophthalmus sp.). While mangrove sediments function as a reservoir for microplastics originating from land, rivers, and the sea. The fish and sediments may be polluted with microplastics resulting from household and industrial refuse. Consequently, the objective of this research is to examine the presence of microplastics in the surface layers of mangrove sediments, within the digestive systems of fish, and in the flesh of the fish. This study focuses on microplastics <300 μm in fish and sediments in the mangrove ecosystem area of Banda Aceh City, Indonesia. From December 2023 to February 2024, sampling was carried out at three stations: Alue Naga Village in Syiah Kuala District, Pande Village in Kuta Raja District, and Blang Village in Meuraxa District. Samples were taken from 478 mullet fish, 462 glassfish, and 435 mudskippers. The highest abundance of microplastics by fish and station: Glassfish with values of 1.55 particles/fish and Alue Naga Village (Station 1) 1.77 particle/station. The majority of microplastics in all fish and sediment were black, and two largest size groups were <20 µm and <21-40 µm. the most common shapes of microplastics in all fish species were film, fiber and pellet. The presence of nylon and polypropylene microplastic polymers in the fish flesh was verified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy investigation. Microplastics have contaminated waters of Banda Aceh City mangrove forest, affecting mudskippers, glassfish, and mullet fish.