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Macro-microscopic evidence of pest, diseases and coexistence of microplastics in Avicennia marina leaves from Mangunharjo Village, Tugu District, Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia
Summary
Researchers surveying a mangrove forest in Indonesia found not only pest damage and fungal disease on the leaves of Avicennia marina trees, but also microscopic objects tentatively identified as microplastics on and inside the leaf tissue. While preliminary, the finding raises the possibility that microplastics may be absorbed or deposited directly into mangrove plant tissue, a coastal ecosystem type that filters large volumes of land-derived pollution.
Abstract There are enormous organisms that live depending on the mangrove ecosystem due to its important ecological services. However, their sustainability is threatened by the presence of diseases and pests. This study aimed to provide macro-microscopic evidence of diseases and pest infestation in Avicennia marina in Mangunharjo village, Tugu District, Semarang City, Central Java, Indonesia. During the survey, several trees had galls and symptoms of diseases on the leaves. Interestingly, we also found unidentified objects that were suggested as microplastic on the surface and inside of the leaves.