Purple Grant Research Fellow Spotlight: Microplastics in Mangrove Ecosystems of Nusa Penida

Completing fieldwork is a major milestone for any early-career researcher, particularly when that work involves navigating unpredictable field conditions and tackling environmental problems that are often overlooked. Through the Purple Grant, Indo Ocean Project supports students conducting hands-on research that contributes directly to marine science and conservation in Indonesia. This support is made possible through Purple Dive Penida and Daughters of the Deep, whose shared commitment helps early-career researchers turn complex ideas into practical, field-based studies.

In this Purple Grant Research Fellow Spotlight, Andi Nazwa reflects on her research in the mangrove ecosystems of Nusa Penida, where she investigated the accumulation of microplastics in sediments and mollusks. Focusing on how mangroves trap plastic particles and how these microplastics may move through the food web, Andi shares why she was drawn to this topic, how she adapted her methods in response to real field conditions, and what she learned from conducting her first largely independent research project in a dynamic coastal environment.

Research Focus and Motivation

Understanding why a researcher chooses a particular topic provides important context for the work itself. In this section, Nazwa explains the focus of her thesis, why she chose this topic, and the knowledge gap her research aims to address.

In a few sentences, can you describe your thesis research and the key question you are trying to answer?

Plastic has become an inseparable part of our daily lives. However, many plastic products are used only once and then discarded into the environment. Instead of quickly decomposing, plastic breaks down into tiny particles known as microplastics. These microplastics are harmful to living organisms because they can be ingested and potentially cause health problems.

My research investigates the microplastics accumulated in sediments and mollusks of the mangrove ecosystems in Nusa Penida, Bali. Mangroves can trap plastic particles, which may then be ingested by organisms living in these habitats and potentially enter the food web. The key question of this study is how much microplastic is present in mangrove sediments and mollusks, what types of microplastics are found, and whether their abundance differs between sediment zones influenced by mangrove roots and areas without root influence.

Why did you choose this research topic, and what drew you to study it in Indonesia?

I chose this research topic because plastic pollution is becoming a serious environmental issue, especially in coastal and marine ecosystems where many communities depend on natural resources for their livelihoods. Microplastics are often invisible, but their impacts can spread widely throughout our daily lives.

I was drawn to study this issue in Indonesia because the country has the largest mangrove areas in the world, covering approximately 3.2 million hectares across the Indonesian archipelago, which is both environmentally important and highly vulnerable to plastic pollution. Studying microplastics in these ecosystems can help improve our understanding of pollution impacts while supporting better coastal conservation and waste management efforts. Besides that, Indonesia is the fifth-largest contributor to marine plastic waste globally, with around 0.2–0.55 million tons entering the ocean annually.

Fieldwork and Methodology

Field research rarely unfolds exactly as planned. In this section, Nazwa outlines the methods she used to collect her data and reflects on the realities of working in dynamic mangrove environments.

What field methods or data collection techniques will you be using during your research?

For sediment sampling, samples were collected from two mangrove sediment zones: the rhizosphere zone, influenced directly by mangrove roots, and the non-rhizosphere zone, located away from root influence. Quadrants and non-plastic tools were used to avoid contamination. Mollusks were collected from the same locations to examine whether microplastics accumulate in their bodies. All samples were stored in non-plastic containers and refrigerated prior to laboratory analysis. Basic environmental parameters, including temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen, were also measured to describe site conditions.

In the laboratory, sediment and mollusk tissues will undergo preparation steps to isolate microplastics. The particles will then be visually identified and classified using a microscope, measured with ImageJ software, and counted to determine microplastic abundance, expressed as particles per dry weight of sediment or per mollusk individual. Finally, selected particles will be analyzed using FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) to identify polymer types. This technique detects how plastic materials absorb infrared light, allowing us to determine polymer composition and trace possible pollution sources such as packaging materials, plastic bottles, and other commonly used plastic products.

What has been the most challenging part of planning or conducting your fieldwork so far?

Finding enough mollusk samples in certain locations has been challenging, as their presence varies depending on environmental conditions. Adjusting sampling plans in the field while maintaining consistent data collection has therefore been an important part of the process. Another memorable challenge was dealing with the weather, as it rained quite often during fieldwork. Sometimes we had to adjust our sampling schedule because of rain and high tides, but it also became part of the learning experience of doing real field research.

Has working in the field changed the way you think about your research question? If so, how?

Yes, definitely. Before going to the field, I thought my research plan and sampling design were already clear. But once I arrived on site, I realized that real field conditions are often very different from what we imagine when planning from home. Because of this, I had to adjust several methods and rethink how to choose sampling stations while still keeping the research objectives achievable. This experience made me see that research is not only about following a plan, but also about adapting to real conditions. It helped me understand my research question more realistically and made me think more carefully about how environmental factors and human activities actually influence mangrove ecosystems in the field.

The Role of the Purple Grant

The Purple Grant is designed to remove practical barriers to research and allow students to focus on learning, data collection, and growth. Here, Nazwa reflects on what this support made possible.

How has receiving the Purple Grant supported your research in practical terms?

Receiving the Purple Grant has supported my research in many practical ways, especially by helping cover fieldwork expenses such as transportation, sampling equipment, and laboratory preparation. Thanks to this grant, I was able to carry out field sampling in Nusa Penida, where studies on microplastics in mangrove ecosystems are still very limited. This opportunity also allowed me to carry out what feels like my very first independent and truly meaningful field research experience, which has been extremely valuable for my academic journey!

What would not have been possible without this funding?

Honestly, almost everything in this project would have been difficult without this funding. Covering travel, arranging accommodation, conducting field sampling, and preparing samples for laboratory analysis require significant resources that are beyond my personal budget as a student. Thanks to this support, I was able to conduct the research properly and gain valuable field experience that would not have been possible otherwise.

Reflections and Learning

Beyond the data collected, this project also shaped how Nazwa approaches research, problem-solving, and her own development as a scientist.

What has been your biggest learning moment or turning point during this research project so far?

One of the biggest learning moments for me was realizing how different field conditions can be compared to what we plan on paper. Before going to Nusa Penida, I was still quite unfamiliar with the actual field situation. Once I arrived, I had to adjust sampling locations and methods based on real conditions, such as dense mangrove areas, limited access, tides, and unpredictable weather. This experience taught me that field research requires flexibility and quick decision-making, and that adapting to unexpected situations is an essential part of doing environmental research.

How has this experience influenced your confidence as an early-career researcher?

This experience really boosted my confidence as an early-career researcher because it was my first time conducting fieldwork quite independently, with minimal direct supervision from my supervisor. Honestly, at the beginning I often felt insecure and unsure about what I was doing, especially when field conditions forced me to change several plans and methods. However, being required to make decisions on site, adjust sampling strategies, and solve unexpected problems helped me slowly build trust in my own judgment. I learned that uncertainty is actually a normal part of field research, and adapting to real conditions is just as important as following the original methodology.

Looking Ahead

Research does not end with a thesis submission. In this final section, Nazwa shares how she hopes this work will continue beyond her degree.

What are your next steps after completing your thesis?

After completing my thesis, I plan to present my research at conferences and publish it in a scientific journal so the findings can contribute to wider environmental discussions. I also want to continue building hands-on experience in both fieldwork and research while pursuing a career as an environmental researcher, especially in marine and coastal ecosystems.

Do you see this research continuing beyond your degree, either through publications, conferences, conservation work, or further study?

Absolutely. This research serves as a starting point for studying microplastic pollution in mangrove ecosystems in Nusa Penida, where such studies are still very limited. The findings can be developed further through future research and collaborations, and they may also provide useful baseline data to support local waste management and environmental conservation policies.

How do you hope your findings will contribute to marine science, conservation, or management in the region?

Nusa Penida is a well-known tourism destination, and the growth of tourism and coastal activities can increase the amount of plastic waste entering nearby mangrove environments. Through this study, I aim to show how microplastics can build up in mangrove sediments and organisms, potentially affecting ecosystem health as well as posing risks to humans through the food chain. I hope these findings can contribute to better coastal management practices and encourage stronger awareness and action toward waste management and ecosystem conservation in tourism-dependent areas.

What advice would you give to students or early-career researchers who are considering applying for the Purple Grant in the future?

Just go for it! You never really know where an opportunity like this can take you until you try. Don’t wait until you feel “fully ready,” because honestly, most people never feel completely ready anyway. Applying itself is already part of the learning process. Be brave, trust yourself, and stay curious about new experiences, places, and people you’ll meet along the way.

Also, don’t be afraid if your plan isn’t perfect yet. Fieldwork and research rarely go exactly as planned, and that’s normal. The important thing is your willingness to adapt, solve problems, and keep moving forward when things get challenging. Grants like this don’t just support your project, they help you grow as a researcher and as a person.