Characterization of Microplastics in Jakarta’s Urban Downstream and Estuary Water Bodies

Microplastic pollution in urban water bodies is a growing environmental challenge with significant implications for ecosystems and human health. This study aims to characterize microplastic contamination in Jakarta's Sunter River, Buaran River, and Marunda Estuary, which are crucial conduits for plastic waste into the marine environment. Using Raman spectroscopy, we conducted an extensive analysis of water, sediment, and biota samples from these sites to identify the types and sources of microplastic polymers present. Our findings reveal significant contamination, with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) being the most common polymers. The Sunter River had high levels of PET, primarily from discarded beverage bottles and food packaging, while the Buaran River was primarily contaminated with PP, commonly found in plastic containers, automotive parts, and textiles. In contrast, the Marunda Estuary showed a distinct pollution pattern, with a significant presence of foam particles likely originating from construction and packaging materials. This research demonstrates the effectiveness of Raman spectroscopy in precisely and consistently identifying microplastics, surpassing traditional visual inspection methods. By accurately determining the chemical composition of microplastics, Raman spectroscopy enhances our understanding of the origins and pathways of plastic pollution in urban environments. The study's conclusions underscore the need for targeted waste management strategies to address specific polymer types and reduce their environmental impact. For example, increasing recycling efforts for PET bottles and minimizing the use of single-use plastics made from PP could significantly decrease the presence of these microplastics in water bodies. Furthermore, by elucidating the polymer composition of microplastics, our work contributes to a better understanding of the associated health risks, as different polymers interact differently with environmental toxins. However, this study has limitations. It focuses only on selected urban water bodies in Jakarta, and the findings may not be applicable to other regions. Despite these limitations, our research has practical value, as it can inform policy-making and the development of interventions to mitigate microplastic pollution in urban aquatic environments.