Microplastics and Sea Urchin Life: A Review of Distribution and Implications in Indonesia

This article delves into the impact of microplastics on Sea urchins in Indonesia, focusing on their distribution and ecological consequences in marine environments. Microplastics, pervasive pollutants, are increasingly found in Indonesian waters, posing significant threats to the health and behavior of sea urchins. Studies on MP contamination distribution in Sea Urchins in Indonesia were conducted using the PRISMA method (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis). Data were collected from various sources such as Google Scholar, PUBMED, BASE, Garuda, DOAJ, ScienceDirect, and Researchgate. Keywords used in the search included accumulation, abundance, contamination, microplastics, impact, physical, chemical, sea urchin, and Indonesia. Studies show that ingesting microplastics can disrupt vital physiological functions, hinder reproductive abilities, and change social dynamics among sea urchins. These disruptions can have far-reaching effects on marine ecosystems, impacting biodiversity and ecological equilibrium. The article underscores the pressing need for effective mitigation measures and advocates for more extensive research to fully grasp the long-term effects of microplastics on marine life in Indonesia.