Source: SEAMEO BIOTROP's Research Grant | 2021
Abstract:
Objectives
This study will investigate heavy metals and microplastic content in Scylla spp. The samples will be collected from all around Indonesia at least 15 locations. Then, spatial analysis of land- uses where Scylla spp. are collected will be explored to examine its effect on the heavy metal and microplastic accumulation. Together with this research, we will establish a monitoring site in one of the locations and this will be part of monitoring networks.
Expected Output
1. Publication-1: “urbanized coastal areas surrounding mangrove forests increase food safety of Scylla spp.”, will be submitted in Marine Pollution Bulletin
2. Publication-2: “Risk assessment of heavy metal accumulation in Scylla spp. will be submitted in Chemistry.
3. Long term monitoring sites.
Conclusion
Modified land uses are snapshots to record the diversity of human activities and it can be a general indicator for environment problem of pollution and safety seafood. This can be true if there is no waste management before it enters to the aquatic environment. While a previous study found that poor indicator of land uses for pollutant detection in seafood, our data shows the link between land uses and pollutant accumulation in mud crabs. In addition, the distance to urbanized area should also be considered as land use indicators due to the spreading of marine pollutants is not only through watershed but also ocean currents.
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