Microplastic pollution from active and inactive landfill in Indonesia: Case study in Leuwigajah and Sarimukti Landfill

Abstract

A landfill is the most common waste disposal in Indonesia, yet the implementation and operation of landfills are still far from optimal due to lack of funding and management failure. Moreover, landfill was operated as unmanaged open dumps. This situation could enhance the likelihood of plastics pollution through various transport of plastic waste from landfill sites, including microplastics release from leachate. This study was focused on the evidence of microplastic pollution originating from the landfill. Leachate sampling was conducted at two landfills, an inactive landfill called Leuwigajah Landfill, and an active landfill called Sarimukti Landfill. The characteristics of microplastics were analyzed through visual examination, particle density examination, and polymer investigation utilizing Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). All three samples of active and inactive landfill leachate contains microplastic particles. The concentration ranges from 12.00 ± 5.29 to 56.33 ± 3.06 particles/liter. The most dominant polymers of plastic are Polypropylene (PP) and Polyester. Fiber shape is the highest percentage of founded microplastics. The results show the critical information of landfill likelihood as a source of microplastics.