Epilithic biofilm as a potential biomonitor for microplastics contamination in Brantas River of Malang City, Indonesia

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Wresti L. Anggayasti, Zulkisam Pramudia, Yogita A.D. Susanti, Ilham Misbakudin Al Zamzami, Khibar Syiar Moehammad, I Nyoman Gede Wardana, Andi Kurniawan

2025 Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering Vol. 11 Article Cited by 15 Quartile Top Tier

Abstract

Despite being an efficient bioremediation agent, aquatic biofilm's usefulness as a biomonitor has not been explored extensively. This study disclosed the potential of epilithic biofilm as biomonitor by comparing its metagenomics with water quality parameters and microplastic count in Brantas River. Metagenomics showed the epilithic biofilm was dominated by Exiguobacterium, which recognizes and degrades microplastics, along with Rhodobacterium and Rhizobiales. For the first time, biofilm microbes and their respective roles were discovered to correspond to the total microplastic counts in comparison with BOD as the only transgressing physicochemical parameter. Thus, epilithic biofilm is a potential biomonitor for riverine microplastic contaminations. © 2024 The Author(s)

Affiliations

Environmental Sciences Study Program, of Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia; Aquaculture Study Program, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia; Aquatic Resources Management Study Program, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia; Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia