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Referee report. For: Microplastics in the surface sediments from the eastern waters of Java Sea, Indonesia [version 1; referees: 2 approved]
Summary
Microplastics were found in all five sampled stations in Java Sea surface sediments, with the highest concentrations in mangrove areas (nearly 900 particles/kg), dominated by fragments and fibers from domestic waste and fishing activities. This study highlights that microplastic pollution in high-population coastal regions of Southeast Asia is severe and requires coordinated government and community waste management responses.
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.