M. Ulfah, M.A. Kausar, Khairunnisa, C. Octavina, Safira, M. Rizki, N. Miswari
The Weh Island Nature Tourism Park in Sabang City is a marine conservation area that also serves as a fishing ground and tourist destination, both contributing to plastic waste from human activities. This waste accumulates in the water and fragments into microplastics. This study aimed to identify the types, total counts, and abundance of microplastics in the waters of Weh Island Nature Tourism Park. Sampling was conducted from April to December 2024 using a purposive random sampling method with three replications at four stations. Microplastic identification was carried out using a binocular microscope at the Marine Chemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Marine and Fisheries, Syiah Kuala University. Four types of microplastics were identified fibers, fragments, films, and pellets with a total of 73 particles, comprising 27 fibers, 29 fragments, 14 films, and 3 pellets. The average abundance was 9.5 particles/L for fragments, 9 for fibers, 4.5 for films, and 1 for pellets. These findings indicate a moderate level of microplastic pollution influenced by tourism and fishing activities. This study contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water, by providing baseline data for marine conservation and plastic pollution mitigation. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.
Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Marine and Fisheries, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia; Laboratory of Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine and Fisheries, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia; Ocean Diving Club, Faculty of Marine and Fisheries, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia; Departement of Industrial Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sumatera, Lampung, Indonesia