Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in surface water of Lake Singkarak in Tanah Datar, West Sumatra, Indonesia

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Andalas University, P.O. Box 25163, Padang, Indonesia

2 Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Syedza Saintika University, P.O. Box 25132, Padang, Indonesia

10.22059/poll.2024.381179.2516

Abstract

The distribution of microplastics (MPs) in freshwater bodies is receiving increasing attention due to the discovery of MPs in lake organisms that can be consumed. The small size of MPs makes them tend to float in the water column, making it easy for them to enter and accumulate in lake organisms. However, research on MPs in freshwater areas is still lacking, and no studies have been conducted in Lake Singkarak. This study aims to analyze the abundance of microplastics in surface water samples from five sampling stations in Lake Singkarak. Visual analysis of MPs was conducted using a B-350 Optical Stereo Microscope, and polymer-type analysis of MPs was performed using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR). The abundance of MP pollutants in surface water ranged from 117.5 to 202.5 particles L-1. The characteristics of MP pollutants based on shape, color, and size were predominantly fragments (42.81%), black (47.94%), and ≤100 µm in size (53.67%). The polymer types identified were polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The results of this study are expected to provide valuable references for a better understanding of MP pollution in the surface water of Lake Singkarak.

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Pollution

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 22 December 2024

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