The presence and characteristics of microplastics in local salt industry production in Muna Regency in 2025

Microplastics are environmental contaminants increasingly found in seafood-based products, including table salt. This study aims to identify the presence, characteristics, and types of microplastic polymers in salt produced by local industries in Muna Regency in 2025. This study uses a descriptive observational design with laboratory testing and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Sampling was conducted using purposive sampling on 12 salt samples, consisting of nine samples at various stages of processing and three finished salt samples marketed. Analisis data Dila Kukan secure univariate. The research results showed that all salt samples were contaminated with microplastics, with a total of 57 particles found. The microplastic concentration ranged from 0.008–0.04 mg/kg, with an average value of 0.019 mg/kg. The microplastic shapes found were dominated by 29 fragment particles and 28 line particles, indicating secondary microplastics. The most dominant microplastic color was black, followed by transparent and other colors. FTIR analysis results showed that the types of microplastic polymers identified were Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP), with PE dominating in most samples. The presence of microplastics in salt is influenced by marine environmental pollution as well as post-production processes such as transportation and packaging, thus efforts are needed to control them in order to minimize exposure risks for consumers.