The influence of micro plastic to Chlorella growth in difference aquatic systems

Abstract

Plastic waste is harmful to human health and became climacteric problem for our environment. In year 2010, 275 million metric tons (MT) of plastic waste was emerge in 192 coastal countries. Micro plastic with size range around 1-5mm also affecting microorganism such as microalgae, Chlorella Pyrenoidosa which one of many species of microalgae is no exception. This microalga commonly used for foodstuff as the source of protein and lipid, also can be used as materials to make biodiesel since it also rich with lipid and can be processed with either esterification, trans-esterification or both. 500mg micro plastic of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is added in 25ml Chlorella Pyrenoidosa on peak of its growth. Additional amount of diluted nutrients in 250ml freshwater and brackish also being added as controls with different salinity. Since control experiment also being made without the presence of PET micro plastic, the growth rate shown in Chlorella Pyrenoidosa which being add with PET micro plastic is more than the growth rate Chlorella Pyrenoidosa without micro plastic. This difference could be due utilization of micro plastic as carbon source by Chlorella Pyrenoidosa.