ANALYSIS OF MICROPLASTIC ABUNDANCE IN SEAWATER ON THE NORTH GALESONG COAST OF TAKALAR REGENCY
North Galesong District, Takalar Regency, is located in the coastal area and is one of the contributors to plastic waste that will become microplastics. This study aims to analyze the abundance of microplastics in seawater on the North Galesong Coast of Takalar Regency. Water sampling was carried out at high tide and low tide using a dynamic method with a Neuston net. The results showed that the total average abundance of microplastics in seawater was 157.39+1.88 particles/m3. Microplastic abundance is dominated by market areas (fish auctions), but is lowest in less populated residential areas. Microplastic abundance tends to increase in areas near the coast rather than deeper into the sea, and abundance increases in high tide conditions rather than low tide conditions. Based on this, an effort is needed to reduce and handle plastic waste to reduce pollution in seawater in North Galesong, Takalar Regency.
Microplastics, Abundance, Tides, Seawater