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Referee report. For: Microplastics in the surface sediments from the eastern waters of Java Sea, Indonesia [version 1; referees: 1 approved]
Summary
Surface sediments in the eastern Java Sea contained microplastics at concentrations up to 897 particles per kilogram, with the highest levels found in mangrove areas and the dominant types being fragments and fibers from domestic and fisheries waste. The study highlights how industrial and coastal human activity in Indonesia's densely populated regions is driving serious sediment contamination that threatens marine ecosystems.
Background: This study aimed to investigate the abundance of microplastics in the eastern water of Java Sea. The study areas are well known for the high population and high industrial activities that can contribute to the plastic pollution. Methods: Microplastics were sampled from the surface sediments at five different stations representing different local activities: fish landing area (St 1), mangrove forest (St 2), abandoned shrimp pond (St 3), river mouth (St 4) and open sea (St 5). Results: Three types of microplastics were found; the most common was plastic fragments (54.34±6.39%) followed by fibers (41.45±4.59%) and films (4.21±3.90%). The highest abundance of microplastics was observed in the mangrove area (896.96±160.28 particles/kg), dominated with fragments and fibers. Films were found in greatest quantities in the fish landing area, but compared to the other types of microplastics, the abundance was much lower (80.73±37.62 particles/kg). Domestic wastes and fisheries activities were the main causes of the high microplastics in the study areas. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that microplastic pollution is a serious problem that needs to be paid attention not only from the government but also from the local people. Plastics management waste is needed.