Mesoplastic contamination in the Deli River Medan: A Pre-Assessment

Abstract

Mesoplastics are plastics with a diameter between 0.5 and 2.5 cm. The purpose of this study was to characterize the properties and quantity of floating mesoplastics in the water column and at the surface. Sampling was conducted using a net with a 0.5 cm square mesh dimension at five separate places selected based on the Indonesia Standard for an hour at each location. Mesoplastics were present on average at a rate of 1.586 g/h, with an abundance of 6.05 x 10−8 kg/m3. Polyethylene, which is translucent, white, or black in color, is the most common mesoplastic polymer. The structure has cracks, white regions, and an uneven surface, which illustrates that plastic breaks down into smaller particles in river water.