Microplastics found in rainwater, warning of serious health risks

Indonesian researchers have found microplastics in every rainwater sample in Jakarta, originating from plastic waste and vehicles, which could pose a threat to public health.

Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency discovered that rainwater in the capital Jakarta contains microplastic particles, warning that they can cause tissue damage and endocrine disorders - Photo: IANS

Dangerous microplastics have been detected in rainwater in the Indonesian capital Jakarta, the country's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) said, following a multi-year study of rainwater samples collected since 2022.

“Microplastics were found in every rainwater sample collected from different areas in Jakarta. They came from synthetic fibers in clothes, dust from vehicles and tires, residue from burned plastics and plastics that decompose outdoors,” said researcher Muhammad Reza Cordova of BRIN.

He also noted that these rainwater samples contained mainly polyester, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene and polybutadiene, which appeared as synthetic fibers or plastic fragments.

In samples collected from coastal areas of Jakarta, researchers found an average of 15 microplastic particles per square meter per day.

Mr Cordova explained that microplastics are the result of atmospheric deposition, in which plastic particles suspended in the air enter the water cycle and fall to the ground with rain. Rainwater containing these microplastics can contaminate surface water and enter the food chain.

This discovery raises concerns about the level of air pollution in Jakarta, as plastic particles not only exist in water but can also enter the human body through the respiratory and digestive tracts.

Mr Cordova said rainwater is not harmful, but the concern is that microplastics in rainwater may contain chemical additives or absorb other pollutants. He cited international studies showing that microplastics can cause oxidative stress, hormone disruption and tissue damage in humans.

To address this issue, he called for increased cross-sectoral cooperation, including improving plastic waste management systems, expanding recycling facilities, limiting the use of single-use plastics, and installing microfiber filters in washing machines to prevent synthetic fibers from entering the environment.

He also called on the community to reduce plastic use, classify waste at source and avoid burning plastic waste.

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VNA

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/phat-hien-vi-nhua-trong-nuoc-mua-canh-bao-hiem-hoa-suc-khoe-nghiem-trong-20251018141206001.htm