Bentuk dan Kelimpahan Mikroplastik pada Lobster Air Tawar (Cherax quadricarinatus) di Danau Toba Kabupaten Simalungun

Abstract

Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5 µm that have widely polluted aquatic environments and have the potential to accumulate in the bodies of aquatic organisms, including Cherax quadricarinatus. This study aims to determine the shape and abundance of microplastics in Cherax quadricarinatus between stations and the abundance of microplastics based on the sex of Cherax quadricarinatus in Lake Toba. Sampling was carried out at three different stations, with 20 samples taken from each station. The research procedure was carried out in three stages for each sample, namely lobster sampling, sample preparation, and microplastic extraction from the lobster digestive tract using 30% H2O2, and identification of microplastic samples in lobsters. The microplastic shapes found were fibers, films, and fragments. The results showed that the average abundance of microplastics found at Station 1 was 40 partikel/individu, at Station 2 it was 33 partikel/individu, and at Station 3 it was 41 partikel/individu. Meanwhile, the results of the study on microplastic abundance based on sex found that male lobsters had an abundance of 47 partikel/individu and female lobsters had an abundance of 29 partikel/individu. These results indicate that human activities around Lake Toba affect the level of pollution.