Rainwater In Jakarta Polluted With Microplastics, This Is The Explanation Of IPB Experts

The latest findings show that rainwater in Jakarta actually contains microplastics. This fact raises new concerns about the level of pollution in urban areas.

Professor of IPB University from the Department of Water Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK), Prof. Etty Riani, explained that scientifically, this is very likely to happen.

According to Prof. Etty, microplastics, especially those that are very small, such as nanoplastics, have a very light mass so that they can easily get carried into the atmosphere.

"This particle can come from various sources on land such as car tire friction, dry plastic waste weathering and being carried away by the wind, to fiber clothes made from synthetic materials," he said, quoted from the IPB University page.

Once raised to the air, these microplastic particles will float and eventually fall back to the surface of the earth with rainwater.

Rain plays a role like an air wash. Microplastics floating in the atmosphere will blend with raindroplets. Because the size is very small, the particles are invisible, so it's as if the rainwater is clean, "explained Prof. Etty.

He added that microplastic sources in urban air such as Jakarta are very diverse. Apart from the friction of vehicle tires and plastic waste weathering, the fiber of synthetic clothing also contributes to pollution.

Environmental factors such as high temperatures and dry air conditions accelerate the process of plastic weathering, so that fine particles can more easily fly into the atmosphere.

The high use of plastic in everyday life is also the root of the problem. From waking up to sleeping again, humans cannot be separated from plastic. Finally, plastic will decay into microplastics and nanoplastics," he said.

Seeing this condition, Prof. Etty assessed the need for concrete steps, both from the government and the community. He invited all parties to start changing their lifestyle to a more environmentally friendly pattern.

"We need to live simpler and return to nature. Reduce the use of plastic, avoid body care products that contain microplastics, and make it easier to sort waste from home," he said.

In addition, he emphasized the importance of implementing the 3R principle (reduce, reuse, recycle) as well as the need for strict sanctions for parties who do not support policies to reduce the use of plastic.

"Plastics are not only environmental problems, but also health. Inside there are dangerous additive ingredients that can trigger hormonal disorders and increase the risk of cancer." concluded Prof. Etty.