WASPADA! Air Hujan di Malang Raya Terkontaminasi Mikroplastik Capai 98 Partikel/Liter

Summary

A recent study by the Ekoton research team in Greater Malang reveals that microplastics are not only polluting the sea and land but are now found in rainwater, indicating widespread contamination in the atmosphere. The primary sources of these microplastics are the burning of plastic waste and tire abrasion. The study shows that all rainwater samples collected from the region tested positive for microplastic contamination, with the highest concentration in Malang City. These particles pose serious health risks, including respiratory and hormonal issues. Ekoton urges local governments to ban open plastic burning to protect air and water quality.

Takeaways

• 😀 Microplastics are found not only in sea and land but also in rainwater, indicating widespread atmospheric pollution.
• 🌍 The presence of microplastics in rain shows that plastic pollution is now impacting life-sustaining elements like air and water.
• 🔬 Ekoton researchers identified two main sources of microplastics: burning plastic waste and open waste fragmentation.
• 🔥 Burning plastic waste releases microscopic plastic particles into the air, which are then carried by wind and fall with rain.
• 💨 These microplastics undergo a process called 'wet deposition' where they fall back to the earth's surface with raindrops.
• 📊 According to Ekoton's data, 55% of airborne microplastics come from plastic burning, and 33.3% come from transportation-related sources.
• 💧 Rainwater samples from five locations in Greater Malang all tested positive for microplastic contamination, with the highest concentration in Belimbing.
• 🧵 The most common type of microplastic found in the rain was synthetic plastic fibers, followed by single-use plastic films and hard plastic fragments.
• ⚠️ Microplastic particles smaller than 5mm can be inhaled or enter rivers and groundwater, posing a risk to human health and drinking water.
• 💉 International studies have shown that microplastics can carry harmful chemicals, like BPA, which may cause respiratory issues, immune system disorders, and reproductive health problems.

Q & A

What significant finding did the Ekoton research team make in Greater Malang?

The Ekoton research team discovered that microplastics are not only polluting the sea and land but are also present in rainwater, indicating widespread distribution in the atmosphere.

What are the two main sources of microplastics identified by the Ekoton team?

The two main sources of microplastics are the burning of plastic waste (55%) and the abrasion from transportation, including tire and asphalt wear (33.3%).

How do microplastics reach the atmosphere according to the research?

Microplastics reach the atmosphere primarily through the burning of plastic waste, where microscopic plastic particles are released into the air and carried by wind. These particles then undergo condensation and fall back to Earth with raindrops, a process known as wet deposition.

What percentage of microplastics in the air is attributed to the burning of plastic waste?

According to Ekoton's data, the burning of plastic waste contributes 55% of the microplastics found in the air.

What health risks are associated with exposure to microplastics?

Microplastics can carry harmful chemicals like bisphenol-A (BPA) and talc, which can cause respiratory issues, immune system disorders, cell damage, and hormonal disruptions affecting reproduction and metabolism.

What types of microplastics were most commonly found in rainwater samples in Greater Malang?

The most common types of microplastics found in the rainwater samples were fibers, which accounted for more than 80% of the particles, followed by films from single-use packaging and fragments from broken hard plastic.

What were the results of the rainwater sample analysis conducted by Ekoton?

The rainwater samples collected from five locations in Greater Malang all tested positive for microplastic contamination, with the highest concentration found in Belimbing, Malang City, reaching 98 particles per liter.

How can microplastics in rainwater affect drinking water sources?

Microplastics can be carried by rainwater into rivers and groundwater, which are sources of drinking water, potentially contaminating the water supply and posing a threat to public health.

What is the 'atmospheric plastic cycle' referred to by Ekoton researchers?

The atmospheric plastic cycle refers to the process by which microplastics are released into the air, transported by wind, and then deposited back to Earth through rain, creating a continuous cycle of plastic pollution.

What recommendations did Ekoton make to combat the issue of microplastic pollution?

Ekoton recommends that local governments prohibit the open burning of plastic waste, particularly in densely populated areas, to prevent further contamination of vital air and water resources.