Differences in Microplastic Content in Commercial Salt and Salt at the Semiringkai Coastal Local Center in Kupang City and Kupang Regency

BACKGROUND: Plastic waste that ends up in the ocean can undergo a degradation process into small plastic particles measuring 5 mm called microplastics. The presence of microplastics in the sea can contaminate marine products such as sea salt. Microplastics in the salt consumed by humans can cause adverse health effects. This study aims to determine the difference in the content of microplastics in commercial salt and local salt from the semiringkai coast in Kupang City and Kupang Regency. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This research is an observational analytical study with a comparative analysis design. The method used is laboratory observation using a microscope. This study used 10 salt samples which were divided into 2 groups, namely the commercial salt group and the local salt group, each consisting of 5 salt samples. Samples were taken using non-probability sampling method with purposive sampling technique. Data were analyzed univariately and bivariately using the independent T-comparison test. RESULTS: The results of the analysis test in this study were P = 0.065 (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: There is a content of microplastic in commercial salt and local center salt of the semiringkai coast in Kupang City and Kupang Regency with an average that is not significantly different.