Analisis Hubungan Aktivitas Petrokimia terhadap Kelimpahan Mikroplastik di Perairan dan Sedimen Pantai Sekucing (Kab. Kendal), Pantai Karangjahe dan Caruban (Kab. Rembang) - Denny Hendrik Nainggolan; Amelia Naomi Agustina; Haryo Mubiarto (Journal of Marine Research, 2026)
Pencemaran mikroplastik menjadi isu lingkungan di kawasan wisata pantai. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis kelimpahan, karakteristik, dan sumber mikroplastik serta upaya penanggulangannya di Pantai Sendang Sikucing (Kendal), Pantai Karang Jahe, dan Pantai Caruban (Rembang). Metode yang digunakan adalah deskriptif kuantitatif, dengan pengambilan sampel air dan sedimen berdasarkan SNI 8995:2021. Identifikasi mikroplastik dilakukan melalui penyaringan basah, oksidasi peroksida, pemisahan densitas, mikroskopi, dan analisis FT-IR. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa kelimpahan mikroplastik tertinggi di perairan ditemukan di Pantai Karang Jahe (0,26315 partikel/m³), sedangkan pada sedimen juga tertinggi di lokasi yang sama (0,38768 partikel/kg). Jenis mikroplastik yang ditemukan meliputi fragmen, serat, dan film. Sumber utama berasal dari aktivitas industri, pelabuhan, perikanan, pariwisata, dan pemukiman. Disimpulkan bahwa pencemaran mikroplastik di pantai perlu ditangani melalui edukasi publik, insentif pengurangan sampah plastik, dan penegakan aturan terhadap pelanggaran.  Microplastic pollution has become a major environmental issue in coastal tourist areas. This study aims to analyze the abundance, characteristics, and potential sources of microplastics, as well as mitigation strategies, at Sendang Sikucing Beach (Kendal), Karang Jahe Beach, and Caruban Beach (Rembang). A quantitative descriptive method was used, with water and sediment samples collected in accordance with SNI 8995:2021. Microplastic identification involved wet sieving, wet peroxide oxidation, density separation, microscopy, and FT-IR analysis. Results show the highest microplastic abundance in seawater at Karang Jahe Beach (0.26315 particles/m³) and in sediment at the same site (0.38768 particles/kg). Identified microplastics include fragments, fibers, and films. Main sources include industrial, port, fisheries, tourism, and residential activities. The study concludes that microplastic pollution in coastal areas requires public education, incentives for plastic reduction, and strict enforcement of environmental regulations.