We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A novel report on the occurrence of microplastics in Pekalongan River Estuary, Java Island, Indonesia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic contamination in water and sediments of the Pekalongan River estuary in Indonesia, finding concentrations of 45.2-99.1 particles/L in water and 0.77-1.01 particles/g in sediment. Polystyrene, polyester, and polyamide were the dominant polymers, with fragments and films smaller than 1 mm accounting for the majority.
This study aimed to address the pressing issue of plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems by assessing the prevalence and distribution of microplastics (MPs) in water and riverbank sediments of the Pekalongan River, a vital water source in Indonesia. From the present findings, MP concentrations in water ranged from 45.2 to 99.1 particles/L, while sediment concentrations ranged from 0.77 to 1.01 particles/g. This study revealed that fragment and film MPs constituted 30.1 % and 25.4 % of the total, respectively, with MPs measuring <1 mm and constituting 51.4 % of the total. Colored MPs, particularly blue and black MPs, accounted for 34 % of the total. The primary polymer components, as determined via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, were identified as polystyrene, polyester, and polyamide. In response to the escalating plastic waste crisis caused by single-use plastics, Pekalongan's local government implemented refuse segregation and recycling programs as part of its efforts to transition toward zero-waste practices.
More Papers Like This
Abundance of Microplastics and Hazard to the Environment in Estuary Water in Pemalang, Central Java, Indonesia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic abundance and types at five sampling locations in the estuary waters of the Pemalang River in Central Java, Indonesia, finding persistent microplastic hazards driven by local human activities and plastic waste inputs.
The first occurrence, spatial distribution and characteristics of microplastic particles in sediments from Banten Bay, Indonesia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reported the first characterisation of microplastic pollution in sediments from Banten Bay, Indonesia, finding an average concentration of 267 particles/kg dry weight across 25 stations, with expanded polystyrene foam (38%) and particles sized 500-1000 micrometres as the most common form. Higher concentrations near river mouths and fine sediment areas suggest riverine inputs as the primary pathway for plastic pollution into this rapidly developing coastal bay.
The contribution of estuaries to the abundance of microplastics in Jakarta Bay, Indonesia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that rivers draining into Jakarta Bay are a major source of microplastics, with polyethylene fragments in the 300-500 micrometer size range dominating, and that spatial variation in abundance across nine estuaries reflects differences in local land use and waste management.
The occurrence and abundance of microplastics in surface water of the midstream and downstream of the Cisadane River, Indonesia
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in the Cisadane River, Indonesia, finding 13 to 113 particles per cubic meter in surface water with higher abundance downstream, dominated by polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene fragments from household and industrial sources.
Microplastic Abundance in Water and Sediments in the Opak River Estuary, Bantul, Special Region of Yogyakarta
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested water and sediment samples from the Opak River Estuary in Indonesia for tiny plastic particles called microplastics. Microplastics were found in every sample, with higher amounts in sediment than in water. Most particles were fragment-shaped and black in color.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.