A novel report on the occurrence of microplastics in Pekalongan River Estuary, Java Island, Indonesia.

This study aimed to address the pressing issue of plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems by assessing the prevalence and distribution of microplastics (MPs) in water and riverbank sediments of the Pekalongan River, a vital water source in Indonesia. From the present findings, MP concentrations in water ranged from 45.2 to 99.1 particles/L, while sediment concentrations ranged from 0.77 to 1.01 particles/g. This study revealed that fragment and film MPs constituted 30.1 % and 25.4 % of the total, respectively, with MPs measuring <1 mm and constituting 51.4 % of the total. Colored MPs, particularly blue and black MPs, accounted for 34 % of the total. The primary polymer components, as determined via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, were identified as polystyrene, polyester, and polyamide. In response to the escalating plastic waste crisis caused by single-use plastics, Pekalongan's local government implemented refuse segregation and recycling programs as part of its efforts to transition toward zero-waste practices.

Groundwater contamination status in Malaysia: level of heavy metal, source, health impact, and remediation technologies.

Groundwater is defined as water that exists underground in voids or gaps in sediments and is extracted for human consumption from aquifers. It is critical to our daily lives because it contributes to the sustainability of our natural ecosystem while also providing economic benefits. Heavy metals are metallic compounds with a relatively high atomic weight and density compared to water. In Malaysia, heavy metal contamination of groundwater has become a concern due to rapid population growth, economic development, and a lack of environmental awareness. Environmental factors or their behaviors, such as density, viscosity, or volume, affect the distribution and transportation of heavy metals. The article discusses the difficulties created by the presence of heavy metals in groundwater supplies and the resulting health problems. Additionally, remediation methods are discussed for managing contaminated water to preserve the ecological environment for current and future generations, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.