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First evidence of microplastics in the water and sediment of Surakarta city river basin, Indonesia
Summary
Researchers conducted the first assessment of microplastic contamination in the water and sediments of the Surakarta city river basin in Indonesia. They found that fragments and fibers were the dominant microplastic types, with over half of the particles smaller than one millimeter. The study identified polystyrene, polyester, polyamide, and silicone polymers, with blue and black particles being the most common colors in water samples.
The main aim of this study was to assess the presence of microplastics in the water and sediments of the Surakarta city river basin in Indonesia. In order to accurately reflect the river basin, a deliberate selection process was employed to choose three separate sampling locations and twelve sampling points. The results of the study revealed that fragments and fibers were the primary types of microplastics seen in both water and sediment samples. Furthermore, a considerable percentage of microplastics, comprising 53.8 % of the total, had dimensions below 1 mm. Moreover, the prevailing hues identified in the water samples were blue and black, comprising 45.1 % of the overall composition. In contrast, same color categories accounted for 23.3 % of the microplastics found in the soil samples. The analysis of microplastic polymers was carried out utilizing ATR–FTIR spectroscopy, which yielded the identification of various types including polystyrene, silicone polymer, polyester, and polyamide.