High Microplastics Contamination Around the Pakusari Landfill, Jember, Indonesia: A Profiling and Pollutant Load Index Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Microplastics in landfills pose significant environmental and public health risks owing to their persistence, role as disease vectors, and potential for bioaccumulation. This study aimed to characterize the abundance, distribution, and pollution levels of microplastics in Pakusari landfill, Jember, Indonesia, across leachate, soil, groundwater monitoring well, and manually dug well samples. Material and Methods: Samples, collected with contamination controls, underwent digestion with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), followed by microplastic analysis (Leica) for quantification (count, size, color, and type) and polymer identification via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results: This study found an average abundance of 358 particles, with dominating by fiber. Polyethylenimine (PEI) was consistently detected, and the prevalent size range was 0.12 ± 4.22 mm. The calculated Pollutant Load Index (PLI) averaged 3.67 across all samples, indicating Class IV (high) pollution levels. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate severe microplastic contamination at the site, necessitating urgent mitigation strategies and improved waste management practices to prevent further environmental degradation and transform waste.