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Evaluation of polypropylene plastic degradation and microplastic identification in sediments at Tambak Lorok coastal area, Semarang, Indonesia
Summary
Researchers assessed the degradation of polypropylene plastic in coastal sediments and seawater along an Indonesian shoreline, finding early-stage degradation and the presence of microplastic fragments at multiple depths. The study confirms that plastic weathering in coastal environments generates microplastics that accumulate in sediments and surface water.
This study aims to determine the degradation of plastic polypropylene (PP) and identify the presence of microplastic in sediments and seawater along the Tambak Lorok coastal area. The study was conducted by collecting samples from the sea surface area, at 50 cm and 170 cm depths, while seawater and sediments were collected from six stations. The results showed an early stage of degradation because of abiotic factors. The surface morphology of plastic changed, indicating the disorientation of the plastic. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that organic carbon decreased by 3.15%, 6.67%, and 16.76% for the PP applied on surface water, at 50 cm depth and at 170 cm depth, respectively. From six stations, PP microplastic was the dominant type, where microplastic in sediment was bio-fouled fiber ranging in size from 255.23 to 1245.71 μm; however, in seawater, it was 7-111 particles/10 mL and ranged from 270.27 to 1279.12 μm in size.