Studies on Microplastic Abundance in the Coastal Surface of Makassar City, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Muh. Afdal (1), Shinta Werorilangi (2,3*), Ahmad Faizal (2,3), Wasir Samad (2)

1) Departement of Marine Science, Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjarmasin, Indonesia
2) Departement of Marine Science, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia
3) Marine Plastic Research Group, Unviersitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia
*Corresponding author: shintawk[at]unhas.ac.id

Abstract

Plastic pollution is a common environmental problem in many nations. Often, plastic waste ends up in the oceans, and accumulates in smaller forms called microplastics. Makassar City as one of the biggest cities in Indonesia, may contribute to plastic waste pollution in the coastal areas which is distributed through two major rivers, namely the Jeneberang River and the Tallo River as well as city canals and drainage which empties into Makassar coastal areas. This study aims to identify, quantify, and characterize microplastics (MP) present on the surface waters of Makassar City, to determine the distribution of microplastics abundance, and to analyze the types of microplastic polymers. This research uses purposive sampling method in determining the sampling point. Identification and analysis of microplastic characteristics were carried out visually using a Stereo Microscope (Euromex Stereo Blue 1902). Statistical analysis used descriptive analysis and the distribution of microplastics used spatial methods. The results showed that the average abundance of microplastics in the coastal waters of Makassar City was 5,69 MP.m-3 (SE: 2,067) which was spread over three observation stations. Microplastic hotspots in the coastal waters of Makassar City are at the mouth of the Tallo River and the port of Paotere. The predominant forms of microplastic found were line, fragment, film, foam, and pellet. The polymer identified by the FTIR analysis on several MPs found were Polystyrene (PS) and Polypropylene (PP).

Keywords: Abundance, Microplastic, Polymer, Makassar City Coastal Waters

Topic: Aquatic Pollution and Ecotoxicology (International)