ANALISIS MIKROPLASTIK PADA SALURAN PENCERNAAN, INSANG, DAN SISIK IKAN NILA (Oreochromis niloticus) DI TAMBAK KADISOKA

Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm that have become one of the major pollutants in aquatic ecosystems and have the potential to accumulate in aquatic organisms, including fish. This study aimed to analyze the abundance of microplastics in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) based on body length categories and their distribution in specific body parts, namely the digestive tract, gills, and scales. The study was conducted on Nile tilapia collected from aquaculture ponds located in Padukuhan Kadisoka, Kalasan, Sleman. Fish samples were grouped into three body length categories, namely <15 cm, 15–20 cm, and >20 cm. Microplastic analysis was carried out through organic matter digestion, filtration, and visual identification using a stereo microscope. Microplastic abundance data were analyzed descriptively to illustrate differences in abundance among body length categories and among fish body parts. The results showed that microplastics were detected in all examined body parts, with varying levels of abundance across body length categories. The highest average microplastic abundance was found in medium-sized fish (15–20 cm), followed by large- and small-sized fish. These findings indicate that differences in fish body length are not necessarily accompanied by differences in microplastic abundance, suggesting that microplastic accumulation in Nile tilapia is more strongly influenced by environmental factors and sources of exposure within the pond ecosystem.