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Conditions for sediment coating microplastic in mangrove ecosystems in Kupang and Rote, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Summary
Researchers collected sediment samples from mangrove ecosystems in Kupang and Rote, Indonesia and found 849 microplastic particles, with fibers making up the majority. They found that sediment texture is the key factor controlling how much microplastic accumulates — finer sediments trap significantly more plastic particles than coarser ones.
The observation and direct sampling, as well as laboratory tests of this research was conducted from June until October 2018. This study aims to determine the existence of microplastics in the sediment of water bodies in Kupang and Rote Districts, based on the number, type, size and abundance of microplastics. The data used in this study include the type of sediment, microplastic abundance and the characteristics of the data collection area. Microplastics are plastic particles sized less than 5 mm, and in our research were divided into 4 types: manifold fiber, fragment, film, and pellets. Herein, 849 particles of microplastic were found: 635 fibers, 160 particle fragments, and 54 particle films. The primary influencing factor for microplastic deposition is the sedimentary texture itself. Sediments of a coarse type do not capture as much microplastic as do sediments of a finer texture. Data collection area characteristics also affect accumulation.