BRIN warns that microplastic rainwater is dangerous, urges not to consume it

Jakarta – The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has discovered the presence of dangerous microplastic particles in rainwater in Jakarta. BRIN reminded the public not to directly consume rainwater without multiple layers of filtration. “Is it still suitable (rainwater to be consumed)? Regarding microplastics, rainwater processing before consumption should be improved with layered filtration and coagulation so that microparticles can be filtered out,” BRIN researcher Muhammad Reza Cordova told journalists on Tuesday (21/10/2025). SCROLL TO CONTINUE CONTENT Reza said that rainwater is generally not good for direct consumption. Because, he said, apart from containing microplastics, rainwater also contains various other pollutants. “It is better to avoid direct consumption of rainwater. Because rainwater basically ‘cleans’ dirt floating in the air, not only microplastics, but various other pollutants and pathogenic microbes,” he explained. “At least it’s better to filter it first and boil it until it boils, and then consume it,” he continued. Reza said that the direct consumption of rainwater containing microplastics without filtering it will have an impact on health. One of them, he said, would cause inflammation. “The impact if you ingest rainwater mixed with pollutants can directly cause irritation and inflammation. So if you want to consume it, it is better to filter it and cook it first,” he said. Previously, BRIN revealed that rainwater in Jakarta contains dangerous microplastic particles originating from human activities in urban areas. This finding is a warning that plastic pollution can also pollute the atmosphere. BRIN researcher Muhammad Reza Cordova explained that research conducted since 2022 shows the presence of microplastics in every rainwater sample in Jakarta. He said the microscopic plastic particles are formed from the degradation of plastic waste floating in the air due to human activities. “These microplastics come from synthetic clothing fibers, vehicle and tire dust, remnants of burning plastic waste, as well as plastic degradation in open spaces,” says Reza, quoted on the official BRIN website, Saturday (18/10). (amw/eva)