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Green Biocomposites from Areca catechu Sheath Waste for Microplastic Removal in Seawater

Recent studies conducted in Indonesia have uncovered microplastic particles in five well-known brands of commercial tea bags, indicating that plastic pollution has extended beyond marine environments and is now infiltrating the human food supply. This discovery raises significant alarm regarding the potential for microplastics—initially found in oceanic settings—to re-enter our diets through contamination cycles. While this research primarily addresses seawater remediation, it is essential to effectively capture microplastic particles at their origin to avert their entry into everyday human consumption. Consequently, there is an urgent necessity to create sustainable, accessible, and efficient filtration materials.
Microplastic pollution poses a significant threat to the sustainability of marine ecosystems, particularly in archipelagic nations like Indonesia. The presence of microplastics, which result from the breakdown of plastic waste and micro-scale household products, is prevalent in marine environments. These particles have been detected in marine organisms, drinking water, and even within the human body. With sizes less than 5 mm and persistent chemical properties, microplastics represent a challenging pollutant to manage.

As one of the leading contributors to marine plastic waste globally, Indonesia faces substantial obstacles in addressing this issue. The lack of public awareness regarding plastic waste management, inadequate effective waste treatment systems, and the country's complex geographical landscape further complicate the proliferation of microplastics in ocean waters. The repercussions extend beyond ecological concerns, impacting social and economic aspects, particularly for coastal communities reliant on marine resources. In light of this pressing issue, the development of sustainable microplastic capture technologies utilizing natural materials at a local level is crucial. One promising method involves the use of filtration technology with biomaterial composites that are environmentally friendly and can leverage the abundant agricultural waste available locally.

This research proposes utilizing cellulose derived from areca nut fronds. This biomass waste has not been fully exploited as a foundational material for creating filter composites aimed at removing microplastics from seawater. Cellulose was selected due to its biodegradable nature, porous structure, and ease of modification. The study involves combining cellulose from areca nut fronds with other natural materials such as bentonite, biochar, and beach sand to develop a composite that optimizes filtration performance. Laboratory tests were conducted using both real seawater and artificial microplastics to replicate actual conditions while maintaining control. This research not only emphasizes the effectiveness of microplastic filtration but also assesses the characteristics of the resulting composites.