Distribution and accumulation of macro-, meso-, and microplastics in soils of fisherman settlements, Sidoarjo, Indonesia

Abstract Plastic pollution in fishing settlements is a serious environmental problem caused by intensive human activities and poor solid waste management. This study measured the distribution of macroplastics (MaP), mesoplastics (MeP), and microplastics (MP) in the soil of fishing settlements in Sidoarjo, Indonesia. Soil samples were excavated manually using a hoe and crowbar to a depth of 0.3 m and an area of 0.25 m at three sites in Kalanganyar District: center (N1), alley (N2), and outskirts (N3). Plastic waste was separated from the soil samples with a 4-mesh sieve. The obtained MaP >25 mm and MeP 5–25 mm particles were manually separated based on their size. Microplastics (MPs; <5 mm) were extracted from the sieved fraction using wet peroxide oxidation (WPO) and density separation. The highest plastic abundance was found inthe sub district alleys (N2), followed by the sub district outskirts (N3), and lowest in the central sub district (N1). MaPs concentrations ranged from 220 to 260 particles/m 2 , MePs from 1957 to 2450 particles/m 2 , and MPs from 1,000 to 1,300 particles/m 2 . Human activities and environmental conditions influence plastic distribution in fishing settlements. These findings provide a basis for designing mitigation strategies and sustainable waste management policies in coastal settlements.