Ecoton Research Finds Microplastics in Drinking Water and River Fish in East Java

TEMPO.CO, Solo - The founder of the Ecoton Foundation for Ecological Studies and Land Conservation, Prigi Arisandi, revealed the results of microplastic research in Indonesian rivers in East Java. There are facts about the serious dangers of microplastics to human health and aquatic ecosystems.

Ecoton's environmental expedition findings in various regions of East Java revealed that microplastics are now found in drinking water, river fish, and sediment deposits. "These findings serve as a reminder that the microplastic issue has reached an environmental emergency," said Prigi in a public discussion on the topic "Recycling the Future: Reducing Plastic Waste with Innovation".

The discussion was organized by the Environmental Science S-3 and S-2 Study Program of the Postgraduate School of Sebelas Maret University (UNS) Solo, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

The Head of the S2 Environmental Science Study Program at UNS, Muhammad Masykuri, explained the process of plastic fragmentation to form microplastics below 5 millimeters. "The main challenge is the presence of microplastics that are difficult to decompose and settle in the environment for a long time," he said.

He outlined the classification based on the accumulation of microplastics. Firstly, primary microplastics are directly released into the environment as microplastics less than 5 millimeters in size. Secondly, secondary microplastics, which originate from large plastics degraded into microplastic fragments.

Masykuri also highlighted various plastic waste management methods currently being tested, including biological approaches. However, he pointed out that there are still constraints in the effectiveness, cost, and scalability of implementing these methods in Indonesia.

"Although there are already biological methods such as the utilization of maggots and bacteria, the effectiveness and cost efficiency remain challenges that must be overcome through innovative approaches and applied technology," said Masykuri.

According to the Dean of the Postgraduate School of UNS, Sajidan, collective concern for the issue of plastic waste, especially microplastics, is crucial. He stated that addressing the issue requires a cross-disciplinary approach and sustained collaboration from various parties.

The Head of the S-3 Environmental Science Study Program at UNS, Prabang Setyono, also emphasized the important role of academics in educating the public about the threat of plastic waste. He also encouraged the emergence of transdisciplinary research that is applicable to addressing environmental issues.

From a legal perspective, a UNS environmental law lecturer, Dewi Gunawati, emphasized the importance of legal awareness in society. She stated that the management of plastic waste must be accompanied by law enforcement and community-based advocacy. In addition, the right to a healthy environment is part of the constitutional rights of citizens.

"The aspects of law enforcement and community-based advocacy remain weak points in efforts to reduce plastic waste in Indonesia," said Dewi.

The event also featured an art installation in the form of a plastic tap in front of the postgraduate building. This installation is the result of collaboration with the Ecoton Foundation as a symbol urging a reduction in single-use plastic consumption.

Editor's Choice: The Silent Threat of Microplastics, Risk of Hormone Disruption

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