Unraveling Microplastic Presence in Freshwater and Sediment of Rejoso River, Indonesia

A study of microplastic (MP) particle presence in the water of the Rejoso River, Indonesia, was carried out. A systematic procedure determined three precise sampling areas, resulting in a total of 12 sampling sites. The study determined that the most common microplastics found in the water and sediment samples were small fragments and fibers. About 63.6% of the plastic particles have a diameter of less than 1 mm. The water samples showed a major presence of blue and black, accounting for 69.6% of the total composition. ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy led to the determination of the presence of polymers: polystyrene, silicone polymer, polyester, and polyamide. This should be coupled with extensive studies and strategies to mitigate microplastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems.