Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology Advances in Environmental Technology 2476-6674 12 3 2026 07 01 Microplastics in tropical coastal and river sediments in a non-industrial urban area: Correlations with land use and potential sources 341 359 1684 10.22104/aet.2026.7264.2007 EN Abd Mujahid Hamdan Faculty of Science and Technology, UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh, Jln. Syekh Abdurrauf Kopelma Darussalam, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia Syafrina Lubis Faculty of Science and Technology, UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh, Jln. Syekh Abdurrauf Kopelma Darussalam, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia Yunasar M Yunasar Faculty of Science and Technology, UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh, Jln. Syekh Abdurrauf Kopelma Darussalam, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia Sudariningsih Sudarningsih Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Lambung Mangkurat University, Jl. Brigadier General H. Hasan Basri, Pangeran, Kec. North Banjarmasin, Banjarmasin City, South Kalimantan, 70123, Indonesia Journal Article 2024 12 05 This study investigated the complex relationships among environmental factors in coastal settings and identified potential sources of microplastics in tropical coastal and river sediments within a non-industrial urban area. The research was conducted along the northern coast of Aceh, Indonesia, encompassing two river estuaries: the Krueng Aceh and Krueng Lamnyong. The results indicate that land use, population density, and distance from the river estuary influence the distribution of microplastics in coastal sediments. The Krueng Aceh River, which is associated with a higher population density, exhibited greater levels of microplastic contamination than the Krueng Lamnyong River. The formation of estuarine turbidity maxima (ETM) is considered a key factor controlling microplastic distribution along the Krueng Aceh River, whereas distribution patterns in the Krueng Lamnyong River appear to be more strongly influenced by local anthropogenic activities and environmental conditions. The study area is distinctive because, despite the absence of major industrial sources, identifying microplastic origins remains complex. In coastal zones, tourist sites tend to exhibit lower microplastic abundances, likely due to stricter waste management practices, whereas non-tourist areas show higher levels of contamination. This study provides new insights into the distribution and potential sources of microplastics in tropical non-industrial urban environments and offers a foundation for developing more effective mitigation strategies for microplastic pollution. https://aet.irost.ir/article_1684_1ef91c212e30e14bf125e9374262401f.pdf