HAYATI Journal of Biosciences
Vol. 32 No. 4 (2025): July 2025

The Role of Biofilm on Microplastics as A Vector for Heavy Metals in the Waters of Sendang Biru, Malang Regency

Al Fatih, Ahmad Nuril Fuad (Unknown)
Kurniawan, Andi (Unknown)
Koentjoro, Maharani Pertiwi (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 Apr 2025

Abstract

Microplastic contamination in water provides an ideal surface for biofilm formation. It facilitates other pollutants, such as heavy metals, to attach to their surface. This interaction leads to biological and environmental problems. We tested this phenomenon by investigating the presence of microplastics in water, biofilms on surfaces, and heavy metal accumulation during September 2024. It further examines the relationship between microplastic and their contamination in fish. Samples were collected from two stations, namely Kondang Buntung Fish Auction Place (TPI) and the Indonesian Navy Post, water from Sendang Biru, using a purposive sampling method. A total of 20 liters of water and 6 Banyar fish (Rastrelliger kanagurta) specimens were analyzed. In contrast, biofilm morphology and heavy metal content were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray. The result found that fibre-shaped microplastics, with fragments and filaments, dominated water samples. Microplastics 1-5 mm in size show that their colors included black, blue, red, and transparent. Five biofilm morphologies on the microplastic surfaces were identified: platelet, thin film, solid film, sporous, and diatoms. Heavy metals (Pb, Hg, Cd, Al, Mg, Fe) were detected with weight percentages ranging from 0.473 to 2.533%. Microplastics are found in the digestive tracts of fish, predominantly microplastic as filaments followed by fragments and fibers. We found that biofilm-coated microplastics accumulate heavy metals, posing a risk of pollutant transfer to aquatic organisms.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

hayati

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Earth & Planetary Sciences

Description

HAYATI Journal of Biosciences (HAYATI J Biosci) publishes articles and short communication in tropical bioscience fields such as development, biotechnology, biodiversity and environmental issues. HAYATI J Biosci covers wide range of all life forms topics including virus, microbes, fungi, plants, ...