Distribusi Spasial Mikroplastik pada Sedimen di Estuari Belawan Sumatera Utara

Abstract

The presence of plastic waste in waters, both in macro and micro form, has become a topic that has been studied a lot in several previous studies at different observation locations. This is the background why it is necessary to study the spatial distribution of microplastics in sediment and its relationship with tides in the Belawan estuary. Apart from the fact that research has never been carried out on microplastics in this area, this research can provide the latest information and further studies regarding the presence and contamination of microplastics in sediments in the Belawan Estuary Area. Research Objectives The objectives of this research are as follows: 1. To determine the types of microplastics found in the sediment in the Belawan Estuary, Deli Serdang Regency. 2. To determine the distribution of microplastics in the sediment in the Belawan Estuary, North Sumatra. This research will be carried out from September to December 2023 and includes sampling, measuring physico-chemical parameters of waters, testing and analyzing samples in the laboratory and data analysis. The location for sampling and measuring environmental parameters was carried out in Belawan Waters, North Sumatra Province. Sediment sample analysis was carried out at the Disease Laboratory of the Food Science and Technology Program, University of North Sumatra and the Aquatic Laboratory of the Aquatic Resources Management Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra. Microplastics in sediment obtained from 36 samples originating from aquatic sediments and sediments in mangrove forests were found to contain several types of microplastics, namely fiber, fragments, foam, pellets and also film. There are quite a lot of types of microplastics found in the Belawan estuary with 36 samples and there are all types in each sample. The distribution of microplastics in the water consists of estuary stations and mangroves.