Study Of Microplastic Distribution And Mapping In Sediments Of The Deli River Medan City

Introduction

Microplastic pollution has become a significant environmental concern worldwide, affecting various ecosystems and posing a threat to human health. The Deli River, a major waterway in Medan City, is one of the areas severely impacted by microplastic pollution. This study aims to investigate the distribution and mapping of microplastic in the Deli River sediments, with a focus on understanding the relationship between sediment transport rates and microplastic abundance.

Background

Microplastics are small plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, which can come from various sources, including plastic bags, bottles, and microbeads used in personal care products. These tiny particles can enter the environment through various pathways, including wastewater treatment plants, agricultural runoff, and litter. Once in the environment, microplastics can be ingested by animals, including fish and other aquatic species, which can lead to physical harm, toxicity, and even death.

The Deli River, a major waterway in Medan City, is a critical component of the city's ecosystem, providing water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes. However, the river has been facing significant environmental challenges, including pollution from industrial and domestic activities. The presence of microplastics in the Deli River sediments is a concern, as it can have significant impacts on the health of aquatic species and humans.

Methodology

This study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods. The research design involved sampling of water and sediment from the Deli River, using the Indonesian National Standards (SNI) 03-70160-2004 as a guide. The sampling points were selected based on their proximity to industrial and domestic activities, as well as their potential impact on the river's ecosystem.

The microplastic analysis process involved several stages, including filtration, destruction, separation based on density, and identification. In identifying microplastic types, researchers used Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), while to determine abundance and shape, a microscope was used. The relationship between sediment transport rates and microplastic abundance was tested using SPSS software, and distribution mapping was carried out with ArcGis software.

Results

The results of this study showed that the Deli River contains microplastic with types such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. Microplastic forms found include films, fragments, foams, granules, fiber, and pellets. The average microplastic abundance in water reaches 243.75 particles per kilogram of dry sediment. Interestingly, the higher the speed of water flow, the number of microplastic tends to decrease. This shows that the higher sediment transport rate is associated with the low number of microplastic found at that location.

In the case of mapping distribution, the results show different zones based on the level of microplastic contamination. The sampling location included in the red zone, which shows the high level of pollution, consists of point 2, point 4, point 5, and point 6. The point 7 and point 8 are included in the green zone, which shows a better water quality with a low microplastic level.

Discussion

The findings of this study have significant implications for the management and conservation of the Deli River ecosystem. The presence of microplastics in the river sediments highlights the need for urgent action to address this environmental concern. The results of this study provide valuable information for policymakers, stakeholders, and the community about the environmental conditions of the Deli River.

The study's findings also suggest that the higher sediment transport rate is associated with the low number of microplastic found at that location. This suggests that the river's natural processes, such as sediment transport, can play a role in reducing microplastic pollution. However, further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between sediment transport rates and microplastic abundance.

Conclusion

This study provides important information for the community and stakeholders about the environmental conditions of the Deli River. The results of this study highlight the need for urgent action to address microplastic pollution in the river. The study's findings also suggest that the river's natural processes, such as sediment transport, can play a role in reducing microplastic pollution.

The information obtained from this study is expected to be the basis for further action in controlling microplastic pollution in rivers in Indonesia. The study's findings also highlight the need for further research on the impacts of microplastic pollution on human health and the environment.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

• Implement measures to reduce microplastic pollution in the Deli River, such as improving wastewater treatment plants and reducing litter.
• Conduct further research on the impacts of microplastic pollution on human health and the environment.
• Develop and implement policies to address microplastic pollution in rivers in Indonesia.
• Raise awareness about the impacts of microplastic pollution and the need for urgent action to address this environmental concern.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

• The study's sample size was limited, which may not be representative of the entire Deli River ecosystem.
• The study only focused on microplastic pollution in the Deli River, and did not consider other types of pollution, such as chemical or biological pollution.
• The study's findings may not be generalizable to other rivers in Indonesia, due to differences in environmental conditions and human activities.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions include:

• Conducting further research on the impacts of microplastic pollution on human health and the environment.
• Developing and implementing policies to address microplastic pollution in rivers in Indonesia.
• Raising awareness about the impacts of microplastic pollution and the need for urgent action to address this environmental concern.
• Conducting research on the effectiveness of measures to reduce microplastic pollution in rivers.
  

Q: What is microplastic pollution?

A: Microplastic pollution refers to the presence of small plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size in the environment. These particles can come from various sources, including plastic bags, bottles, and microbeads used in personal care products.

Q: What are the sources of microplastic pollution in the Deli River?

A: The sources of microplastic pollution in the Deli River include industrial and domestic activities, such as textile manufacturing, plastic bag production, and litter. Additionally, microplastics can also enter the river through wastewater treatment plants and agricultural runoff.

Q: What are the impacts of microplastic pollution on the environment and human health?

A: Microplastic pollution can have significant impacts on the environment and human health. Microplastics can be ingested by animals, including fish and other aquatic species, which can lead to physical harm, toxicity, and even death. Additionally, microplastics can also contaminate the food chain and potentially harm human health.

Q: What are the types of microplastics found in the Deli River?

A: The types of microplastics found in the Deli River include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. These microplastics can come in various forms, including films, fragments, foams, granules, fiber, and pellets.

Q: How can microplastic pollution be reduced in the Deli River?

A: Microplastic pollution can be reduced in the Deli River through various measures, including improving wastewater treatment plants, reducing litter, and implementing policies to address microplastic pollution. Additionally, individuals can also play a role in reducing microplastic pollution by choosing products with minimal packaging and avoiding the use of microbeads in personal care products.

Q: What is the role of sediment transport in reducing microplastic pollution in the Deli River?

A: Sediment transport can play a role in reducing microplastic pollution in the Deli River. The study found that the higher sediment transport rate is associated with the low number of microplastic found at that location. This suggests that the river's natural processes, such as sediment transport, can help to reduce microplastic pollution.

Q: What are the next steps in addressing microplastic pollution in the Deli River?

A: The next steps in addressing microplastic pollution in the Deli River include implementing measures to reduce microplastic pollution, conducting further research on the impacts of microplastic pollution, and developing and implementing policies to address microplastic pollution. Additionally, raising awareness about the impacts of microplastic pollution and the need for urgent action to address this environmental concern is also crucial.

Q: How can individuals contribute to reducing microplastic pollution in the Deli River?

A: Individuals can contribute to reducing microplastic pollution in the Deli River by choosing products with minimal packaging, avoiding the use of microbeads in personal care products, and participating in clean-up initiatives. Additionally, individuals can also raise awareness about the impacts of microplastic pollution and the need for urgent action to address this environmental concern.

Q: What are the potential consequences of not addressing microplastic pollution in the Deli River?

A: The potential consequences of not addressing microplastic pollution in the Deli River include the continued degradation of the river's ecosystem, the contamination of the food chain, and potential harm to human health. Additionally, the economic costs of addressing microplastic pollution in the Deli River could also be significant if left unchecked.

Q: What is the significance of this study in addressing microplastic pollution in the Deli River?

A: This study provides important information for policymakers, stakeholders, and the community about the environmental conditions of the Deli River. The study's findings highlight the need for urgent action to address microplastic pollution in the river and provide valuable insights for developing effective strategies to reduce microplastic pollution.