Is there a microplastic called BRIN in Jakarta's rainwater?

Jakarta – The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) revealed the discovery of microplastics in rainwater in Jakarta. According to BRIN, these particles come from various daily human activities, from littering to careless burning of rubbish. “The Jakarta air actually reflects human behavior underneath. The plastic that we carelessly throw away, the smoke that we let rise, the trash that we burn because we are too lazy to sort it, everything comes back to us in a form that is smoother, quieter, but much more dangerous,” said the BRIN researcher Muhammad Reza Cordova, quoted from the official BRIN website, Saturday (202/50). Reza Cordova explained that research conducted since 2022 shows the presence of microplastics in every rainwater sample in Jakarta. He said that microscopic plastic particles are formed from the degradation of plastic waste floating in the air due to human activities. Scroll to continue content “These microplastics come from synthetic clothing fibers, vehicle and tire dust, residues from burning plastic waste, as well as plastic degradation in open spaces,” he explained. This finding is a warning that plastic pollution is not only affecting land and sea, but has also reached the atmosphere. It is now proven that plastic particles flying in the air fall with rainwater and in turn pollute the environment. So what exactly is microplastic and how does it affect the environment? What is microplastic? According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), microplastics are small pieces of plastic that measure less than 5 millimeters. Its very small size makes it difficult to see and easily spread in various layers of the environment. Microplastics are divided into two main types. First, primary microplastics, namely plastic particles that have been produced in small sizes from the start, for example ingredients in cosmetic products, facial cleansers or industrial powders. Second, secondary microplastics, namely fragments of large plastic objects that decompose due to exposure to sunlight, friction or other natural processes. Because they are light, microplastics are easily carried by air and water. When they enter the atmosphere, these particles can fall back to the Earth’s surface through rain, as BRIN discovered in Jakarta. The impact of microplastics on the environment According to NOAA, microplastics pose a serious threat to ecosystems because they can pollute water, soil and air. Marine and land animals can accidentally ingest these particles and eventually enter the human food chain. In addition, microplastics are also capable of absorbing hazardous chemicals from the surrounding environment. When they enter the bodies of living beings, these particles have the potential to cause long-term health impacts. The researchers emphasize the importance of raising public awareness to reduce the use of single-use plastics and manage waste properly. This small step is considered important to suppress the spread of microplastics in the environment and prevent greater impacts in the future. Watch video: BRIN reveals initial findings of microplastics in Jakarta rainwater (wia/idn)