Identification The Composition Of Microplastics Surface Biofilms In Consumed Seafood In Jember Regency

Abstract

Food security can be affected by climate variability, eutrophication, ocean acidification, oxygen depletion, conflict, economic recession, pathogens, and pollution. Microplastic can be found in commonly consumed seafood. Microplastics are known as vectors of various pollutants due to their ability to absorb pollutants. Microplastics have a broad and specific surface area; therefore, many microorganisms colonize microplastic surfaces, including bacteria, fungi, algae, and protists. In this study, we identified bacteria attached to the surface of microplastics in bivalves in the coastal area of Jember, Indonesia. Samples were taken from the Malikan coast and the Gethem Mangrove coast. The number of samples collected in the Malikan Coastal and Gatheam Mangrove were two and three samples, respectively. Prior to the isolation of microplastic shellfish torn apart, they were washed with 9% NaCl. The microplastics were isolated under a stereomicroscope and transferred to a sterile general medium. The identification carried out included morphological and biochemical tests based on Cowan and Steel's manual for the identification of medical bacteria. There were five different genera found, namely Alcaligenes, Moraxella, Micrococcus, Neisseria, and Bacillus. Further research to determine the species by molecular approach is needed.