Characterization and Implications of Plastiglomerates, Pyroplastic, Plasticrust, and Plastitar as the Novel Type of Plastic Pollution in Tropical Coastal Ecosystems Dwi Amanda Utami (1,2)*, Lars Reuning (2), Lorentz Schwark (2), Gernot Friedrich (3), Ludwig Diettmer (3), Ayu Utami Nurhidayati (1), Ahmad Al Fauzan (4,1), Sri Yudawati Cahyarini (1)
1) Research Center for Climate and Atmosphere, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia - Jl. Cisitu Sangkuriang, 40135 Bandung, Indonesia
2) Institute of Geosciences, Kiel University - Ludewig-Meyn-Str. 10, 24118 Kiel, Germany
3) Institute of Physical Chemistry, Kiel University - Max-Eyth-Str. 1, 24118 Kiel, Germany
4) Oceanography Study Program, Institut Teknologi Bandung - Jl. Ganesha No. 10, 40132 Bandung, Indonesia
*dwia012[at]brin.go.id
Abstract
The global accumulation of plastic waste, particularly in marine environments, poses a significant threat to the health and stability of coastal ecosystems. This study investigates the presence and characteristics of plastiglomerate, pyroplastic, plasticrust, and plastitar in a tropical marine region of Indonesia. These novel forms of plastic pollution, resulting from the unregulated burning of plastic waste, have raised concerns due to their potential ecological impacts. Through field surveys and laboratory analyses, we identified and analyzed 25 samples of plastic pollution collected from the northern coast of Panjang Island. The samples exhibited a range of physical and chemical properties, including differences in mass, dimensions, melting, and charring. Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) were the predominant polymer types detected, alongside acrylates/polyurethane/varnish and a styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, which are reported here for the first time in plastiglomerates. The samples displayed various stages of weathering, with evidence of thermo-oxidative degradation and oxidation products. Furthermore, the presence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and phthalates was observed with high concentrations detected in some samples. These findings highlight the urgent need to address the uncontrolled burning of plastic waste and its associated risks to coastal ecosystems. Plastiglomerates and related forms of plastic pollution not only contribute to microplastic contamination but also serve as vectors for the transfer of toxic pollutants to sensitive habitats, including coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangrove forests. The insights gained from this study can guide marine conservation policies aimed at protecting tropical coastal ecosystems from the detrimental effects of plastic pollution.
