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Plastic Wastes Distribution Pattern in the Covid-19 Era in Kreo Sub-Watershed Basin, Semarang City
Summary
This study mapped plastic waste distribution in a river sub-watershed in Semarang, Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding that single-use plastic use increased due to pandemic-related behaviour changes. Researchers found plastic entering waterways increased during lockdowns, raising risks of microplastic pollution in downstream environments.
The COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia has occurred since March 2020 has caused restrictions on people’s mobility and forced people to adapt by changing people’s consumption patterns. To reduce direct interaction, people use products that are more durable, easy to take home, and hygienic. The use of plastic packaging and single-use plastic products is increasing. Without waste management, plastic dumped into rivers will increase and ultimately increase the potential for microplastic pollution. This study aimed to analyze and compare the types and distribution of plastic wastes in the Kreo sub-watershed basin sediments. Types of plastic wastes are categorized according to the Van Emmerik classification. Research samples were taken at 17 locations. This study uses a survey method with a qualitative descriptive approach. The average abundance of plastic wastes is 6-24 n/m2. The characteristics of plastic wastes in the upstream are dominated by PO-soft (47.95%), similar to the middle (51.12%), and in the downstream, it is dominated by multilayer (65%). The area with the most significant accumulation of plastic waste is downstream (20 n/m2) due to denser settlements, extensive sedimentation and river topography. The type of plastic waste in the Kreo sub-watershed basin can be a source of microplastic pollution in the future.