Abundance and characterization of microplastic pollution in the wildlife reserve, Ramsar site, recreational areas, and national park in northern Jakarta and Kepulauan Seribu, Indonesia

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) Vol. 348; p. 140761
• Main Authors: Cordova, Muhammad Reza, Ulumuddin, Yaya Ihya, Purbonegoro, Triyoni, Puspitasari, Rachma, Rositasari, Ricky, Yogaswara, Deny, Kaisupy, Muhammad Taufik, Wibowo, Singgih Prasetyo Adi, Subandi, Riyana, Sani, Sofia Yuniar, Sulistiowati, S., Nugraheni, Intan Kusumastuti, Rahman, Lucky, Rahmawati, Al Rahmadhani, Safitri, Khoirunnisa, Tyara Aprilani, Nurhasanah, Muhtadi, Ahmad, Lestari, Swietenia Puspa, Cragg, Simon M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-01-2024
• Subjects: Beach sediment; Indonesia; Microplastic; National park; Ramsar site; Wildlife reserve; National park; Beach sediment; Microplastic; Ramsar site; Wildlife reserve; Indonesia
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140761

This is the first study to evaluate the presence and distribution of microplastics in sediments in the regions with a unique degree of complexity, such as wildlife reserve areas, a Ramsar site that connects directly to Greater Jakarta's mainland, recreational islands, and a marine national park. Microplastics of varying sizes and shapes are found in all places, with an increase trend in the abundance toward areas near to the epicenter of human activity. Comparatively to other marine protected areas, the amount of microplastics discovered is comparable; however, there is an upward trend. Season influences microplastic accumulation, with the dry season causing the greater accumulation. Small-sized microplastics and microplastics resulting from large plastic fragments were predominantly discovered. The properties of microplastics in the study region are dominated by polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, and nylon. Additional in-depth research and waste reduction from all sources that involve all stakeholders are required to reduce the amount of contaminants entering the protected area.
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•Microplastic abundance was shown to be lower as distance from the center of human activity decreased.•Most microplastics in sediments are tiny (300–1000 m) and derived from secondary sources.•Polyethylene and polypropylene are the most popular types of polymer found everywhere.•Near the mainland, the polymer groups polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride are recognized.•Nylon group Polymers are prevalent in the national park zone and may be linked to fishing activity.