Vertical distribution of microplastic particles in the Eastern Indian Ocean off the Northern Sumatra Island

The first investigation of microplastics in the Eastern Indian Ocean off the Northern Sumatra Island was conducted during research cruise with RV Baruna Jaya VIII, we investigate the vertical distribution of microplastics... [ view full abstract ]

The first investigation of microplastics in the Eastern Indian Ocean off the Northern Sumatra Island was conducted during research cruise with RV Baruna Jaya VIII, we investigate the vertical distribution of microplastics (MPs) at 13 sampling site. The water samples (10L) were collected using Rosette Water Sampler on the surface (5m), thermocline (140-150m) and near the seafloor (350-1500m). MPs were extracted through close-system directly attached to the Rosette Water Sampler and then the suspension water was filtered under vacuüm onto cellulose filter paper (Whatman Ø47 mm; pore size 0.45µm). MPs characteristics (shape, size, and number) were analysis under a stereomicroscope. The results showed that the average of MPs concentration was between 0.4-0.5 MPs/L and there was no significant difference between the MPs concentration collected from the surface, thermocline and near the seafloor. The most common shape was fibers (68%) and the range of MPs size was between 26 to 2480 µm. From this study, further investigation is needed to see the distribution of microplastics on benthic-pelagic system and the scale effect of MPs on the organism in the water column and seafloor.