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Microplastic occurrence in the aquatic ecosystem has become of great concern worldwide because of its persistence, durability, and toxicity. Microplastics are found ubiquitous in freshwater environments, including rivers. Thus, our study assesses microplastic pollution in water, sediment, and fish of the Kahayan River, Indonesia. We first evaluated microplastics' occurrence, abundance, and characteristics in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. The average abundance of microplastic in water was 2.92 ± 2.62 items/L, while in sediment was 6.93 ± 3.15 items/Kg dry weight. We found 53 out of 90 fish (58.89%) had microplastics in their digestive tracts with an average abundance of 2.03 ± 3.416 items/Ind. The predominant characteristics in water were fragment and fibre and size of 150-<300 µm. Microplastics present in the sediment and the digestive tract of fish have similar dominant fibre. In terms of size, sediments and fish were dominated by 150-<300 µm, 1000–5000 µm, and 500-<1000 µm respectively with different order of proportions. The infrared spectroscopic analysis confirmed the most common polymer type to be polyvinyl chloride in water and sediment, while polyethylene was predominant in fish. Our study provides the current status of microplastic contamination for further evaluation and management of the Kahayan River, Indonesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of plastic pollution in the marine environment is a matter of great concern. Our research presents pioneering findings on sub-surface microplastics in the Indonesian archipelagic waters. Data on microplastic presence in sub-surface water in the Indonesian Archipelagic Water is crucial for expanding our understanding of microplastic distribution from the surface to the bottom layers of the ocean, a research area that has been relatively overlooked. We discovered microplastic particles at 5 m depth below the surface through simultaneous pump method. The highest concentration of microplastics was discovered in Ambon, followed by North Java and North Sulawesi. In contrast, the lowest abundance of microplastics was detected in the Maluku Sea. These findings are consistent with prior studies establishing a relationship between human activity-as indicated by population density-and microplastic pollution. However, our results indicate that levels of microplastics in Ambon were significantly higher than those found in other sampled areas, particularly compared to North Java, which boasts the highest population density in Indonesia. This disparity is likely due to a faster seawater flushing rate and shorter water residence time in North Java relative to Ambon. The origins and pathways through which these microplastics are introduced into Indonesian archipelagic waters remain uncertain. Based on particle composition (52.73% fibers and 51.38% size <500 µm), it appears that they may result from either larger plastic items being broken down during transportation over long distances by prevailing currents from input from coastal areas or as a byproduct of local activities. Additional research is necessary to gain a comprehensive understanding of microplastic in water columns. This includes investigating the fate of microplastics and examining their impact on marine organisms within this treasured ecosystem. Moreover, it is important to develop methods for mapping the worldwide distribution of microplastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rivers are the key conduits for land-to-sea debris transport. We present in situ monitoring data of macro debris and microplastic along the supercritical Citarum River in Indonesia We identified the dams as concentrated areas of microplastic. Plastics accounted for 85% of the riverine debris (5369 ± 2320 items or 0.92 ± 0.40 tons daily). We estimated macrodebris releases of 6043 ± 567 items or 1.01 ± 0.19 tons daily with a microplastic concentration of 3.35 ± 0.54 particles per m3 from Citarum River to sea. It has been suggested that population density and urbanization rate are major factors determining the spatiotemporal variability of macrodebris and microplastic abundances in the Citarum River. Our research highlights the importance of long-term monitoring to estimate debris and microplastics inflows along the Indonesian river to the world ocean as a benchmark for the reduction of macro and microdebris into the environment. • Plastic was the most major form of debris in the Citarum River. • Midstream Citarum River has an elevated level of macro debris and microplastics. • Estimated daily macrodebris releases to the sea 6043 ± 567 items (1.01 ± 0.19 tons). • Daily microplastic release of 3.35 ± 0.54 particles per m3 from Citarum River to sea. • Polyesters were dominant than the other 14 types of identified synthetic polymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the abundances and characteristics of microplastics in sediments and sandfish (Holothuria scabra) in Lampung and Sumbawa, Indonesia. Microplastics were found in 89.02% of all sandfish samples, with an average abundance of 2.01 ± 1.59 particles individual−1. The abundance of microplastics was 58.42 ± 24.33 particles kg−1 in surface sediments. Furthermore, there was a positive relationship between the abundance of microplastics in sandfish and sediments. Fragments and fibers with small-sized microplastics (300–1000 μm) were the most abundant types found in sandfish and sediments. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis showed that polyethylene (30.08%), polypropylene (30.08%), polyurethane (12.20%), and polyethylene terephthalate (8.94%) were the most abundant polymers in the samples. Our results strongly indicate that microplastics in Lampung and Sumbawa originate from the fragmentation of large plastics. Better solid waste management in Indonesia is needed to reduce plastic waste leakage, which could become microplastics. • Microplastics were identified in 89.02% sea cucumber and all sediment analyzed. • The abundance of microplastics were 126.34 ± 51.99 particles kg−1 in sea cucumbers. • The abundance of microplastics were 58.42 ± 24.33 particles kg−1 in the sediment. • Moderate positive correlation between microplastics in the sediment and sea cucumbers. • Microplastics found strongly suspected from the fragmentation of large plastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The air pollution in Jakarta has been recorded regularly; meanwhile, the information of atmospheric microplastics is still unknown. This study examines the characteristics (shape, size, and polymer) and deposition rate of atmospheric microplastics in Jakarta. The sample was obtained by putting a rain gauge for 12 months. All microplastic samples were analyzed for polymer using FT-IR. The lowest to the highest percentage of atmospheric microplastic based on shape were foam−2d−1, with an average of 15 particles m−2d−1. The rainy season's deposition rate (23.422 particles m−2d−1) was higher than the dry season (5.745 particles m−2d−1). Our study proves that the atmospheric microplastic exists in Jakarta's air and needs to be considered to monitor by the government regularly. • The deposition rate of atmospheric microplastic in the rainy season 4 times fold than the dry season. • The meteorological factors (rainfall and wind speed) significantly influenced the deposition rate. • The atmospheric microplastic size significantly affected the deposition. • The atmospheric microplastics in Jakarta are derived from local activity emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small-sized plastic debris (micro- and mesoplastics) are emerging pollutants and widely detected in aquatic environments. However, micro- and mesoplastics pollution research with regard to landfills is limited. In this study, the occurrence, characteristics, and possible release of micro- and mesoplastic waste from the Galuga landfill leachate to the aquatic environment were studied. Micro- and mesoplastics were identified in all surface water samples from leachate influent and effluent of Galuga landfills. The average daily release to the aquatic environment was estimated at 80,640 ± 604.80 microplastic and 618,240 ± 1905.45 mesoplastic particles, respectively. The amount of microplastic increased three-fold and nine-fold for mesoplastics after input from the leachate drain. Micro- and mesoplastic main chemical compositions were polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, and cellophane. This study implied that the leachate may cause micro and mesoplastic contamination to the aquatic environment. The results raised the knowledge of small-sized plastic debris in aquatic environments. • Micro- and mesoplastics were identified in all water samples. • An estimated average daily release of microplastic from leachate drain at 80640 ± 604.80 particles • Daily mesoplastic release from leachate drain to the aquatic environment was estimated 618240 ± 1905.45 particles • After input from the leachate drain, the microplastic number increased threefold and nine times higher for mesoplastics • Polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene was the most abundant microplastics found [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2010, Indonesia estimated as the second-largest country in the world that donates plastic to the sea. This study aims to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of microplastics in tropical estuaries. The sampling was carried out in Benoa Bay with four repetitions representing the wet and dry seasons. Spatially it was found that the highest microplastic abundance around the Suwung landfill, while the lowest at Badung River Estuary, middle, and an inlet of the Benoa Bay. The highest percentage to the lowest microplastic based on the size was 500–1000 μm (37.9%), >1000 μm (35.7%), 300–500 μm (22.1%), and <300 μm (4.3%), while based on the shape were fragments (73.19%), foam (17.02%), fiber (6.38%), and granule (3.40%). No significant differences were found between the wet and dry seasons based on the abundance, but significantly varied based on size and shape. Polymers of microplastics were dominated by polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene. Unlabelled Image • The microplastic was detected in all station in Benoa Bay surface water. • The landfill was suspected as the primary source of microplastic pollution. • The fragment was the most common shape of microplastic in Benoa Bay. • 13 types of polymer were found in Benoa Bay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic pollution has a detrimental effect on marine environments, and there is limited information regarding its ingestion by biota, which is the primary consumer. Therefore, this research aims to assess microplastic ingestion by blue panchax fish (Aplocheilus sp.). To achieve this, microplastics were extracted and identified from Ciliwung estuary, coastal waters in North Jakarta, and the Aplocheilus sp. Its various forms and sizes were found in river flow (9.37 ± 1.37 particles/m3), coastal waters (8.48 ± 9.43 particles/m3), and in 75% samples of Aplocheilus sp. (1.97 particles/individual). The microplastic size which was of highest concentration in Aplocheilus sp. was relatively small, ranging from 300 to 500 μm. This small size indicates that the fish has difficulty in distinguishing between their food and the microplastics. Further, there was a possibility of the absorption of other pollutants by the plastics. Therefore, an in-depth study on the effects of plastic ingestion on aquatic life, biomagnification, exposure, chemical toxicity, and socio-economy is recommended. • Microplastics present in blue panchax fish habitat and 75% of lead-head fish • Microplastics found indicate that blue panchax fish have difficulty distinguishing their food. • A weak positive relationship between microplastic concentration ingest by blue panchax fish and body size • Various types of microplastic shapes and sizes indicate strong anthropogenic influences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates microplastic contamination in the midstream to downstream of the Cisadane River and its confluence with the Java Sea. The abundance ranged between 13.33 and 113.33 particles m−3 in surface water samples. Microplastic abundance in the downstream area was higher than midstream. We discovered 11 microplastic polymer types, with polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene dominating (>70%) the chemical composition study result, which we hypothesized was owing to their ubiquitous use in daily household and industrial activities. Microplastic fragments with a diameter of 500–1000 m predominated in surface water samples. This study identifies possible microplastics pollution hotspots throughout the Cisadane rivers and selects sites that require additional sampling. Runoff from cities and landfills has the potential to have a significant impact on the accumulation and movement of microplastics from the inland to the Cisadane estuarine area. Additional research is necessary to determine how and where these microplastics particles enter rivers. [Display omitted] • Microplastics in the surface water of Cisadane River were examined for the first time. • Microplastic abundance in the downstream area was higher than midstream. • Polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene dominating the chemical composition. • Two landfills identified as possible microplastics point sources to the river. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased plastic uses during COVID-19 pandemic challenges efforts to reduce marine plastic debris. Despite recent observations of increased plastic-made personal protection equipment (PPE) waste in coastal areas, comparative data before and during the pandemic lacked. We present in situ monitoring data on riverine debris releases into Jakarta Bay, Indonesia, during COVID-19 pandemic relative to the 2016 baseline data. River debris at two river outlets – the Cilincing and Marunda Rivers, revealed a 5% increase in the abundance of debris and a 23–28% decrease in the weight of debris releases in March–April 2020 compared to March–April 2016, suggesting a compositional shift towards lighter debris. Plastics continued to dominate river debris at 46% (abundance) or 57% (weight). Unique to the pandemic, we observed an unprecedented presence of PPE (medical masks, gloves, hazard suits, face shields, raincoats) that accounted for 15–16% of the collected river debris of 780 ± 138 items (abundance) or 0.13 ± 0.02 tons (weight) daily. The observed increased plastic-made PPE in river outlets urges for improved medical waste management of domestic sources during the prolonged pandemic. • Riverine debris releases into Jakarta Bay during the COVID-19 pandemic were monitored. • Riverine debris increased by abundance while decreased by weight during the pandemic. • Plastics dominated riverine debris at 46% by abundance and 57% by weight. • The presence of plastic-made personal protection equipment was unprecedented during the pandemic. Plastic-made personal protection equipment accounted for 15–16% of the collected river debris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]