Indonesian Population Consumes the Highest Microplastics in the World

Indonesian people are estimated to consume around 15 grams of microplastics from food per capita per month.

KOMPAS/BAHANA PATRIA GUPTA

Expanse of rubbish covering the beach in Kwanyar District, Bangkalan Regency, Madura Island, East Java, Monday (13/5/2024).

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — Southeast Asian countries, such as Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, rank at the top of the global per capita consumption list of microplastics. Indonesian people are estimated to consume around 15 grams of microplastics from contaminated food per capita per month.

These findings are based on calculating how much microplastic is unknowingly consumed as a result of unprocessed plastic waste which is degraded and spread into the environment.

The research carried out by Cornell University researchers was published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology and released on Wednesday (22/5/2024). This study was carried out by mapping the uptake of microplastics in 109 countries based on a data model that estimates how much microplastic is ingested and inhaled.

Also read: Threats of Microplastic Pollution

To estimate human consumption more comprehensively, this study takes into account the dietary habits of each country's population, food processing technology, age demographics, and respiratory rates. All factors that contribute to the differences in how people in each country consume microplastics are considered.

"The absorption of microplastics at the national level is an important indicator of plastic pollution and the risks to public health," said Fengqi You, a chemical expert from Systems Engineering Cornell University who co-wrote this study with his doctoral student, Xiang Zhao.

JURRNAL ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (2024)

Per capita daily microplastic absorption rates from food and inhalation in 109 industrialized and developing countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, and North and South America. (a) Per capita food uptake of microplastics at country level. (b) Per capita microplastic absorption rate by food type in Southeast Asia. (c) Per capita microplastic inhalation uptake at country level. Source: JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology(2024)

According to You, a comprehensive global mapping supports local pollution mitigation efforts through improved control of water quality and effective waste recycling.

This study assessed food absorption by collecting microplastic concentration data in subcategories of main food groups, such as fruits, vegetables, protein, grains, dairy products, beverages, sugar, salt, and spices. The model also uses data detailing how much food is consumed in a number of countries. For example, per capita consumption of table salt in Indonesia and the United States is almost the same, but the concentration of microplastics in table salt in Indonesia is estimated to be 100 times higher.

15 grams per Capita

Overall, this research found that Indonesian society consumes around 15 grams of microplastics per capita per month, more than other countries. Most of these plastic particles come from water sources, such as seafood.

The number represents an increase in daily microplastic consumption by 59 times from 1990 to 2018, the time frame used for the model. Compare this to microplastic intake from food in America, which is estimated at 2.4 grams per capita per month, and the lowest is Paraguay at 0.85 grams per capita per month.

Also read: Microplastic Contamination in Salt and Fish

Several previous studies have reported the presence of microplastics in salt and fish in Indonesia. The microplastic contamination in salt and fish was discovered through research conducted by two separate teams: scientists from Hasanuddin University (Unhas) in Makassar and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in 2018.

Inhaling microplastics

In addition to calculating the level of microplastic consumption through food, researchers also analyzed microplastics inhaled by humans through respiration. Data on the concentration of microplastics in the air, demographic age, and human respiratory rate were used to calculate the amount of inhaled microplastics.

China, Mongolia, and England are among the countries with the highest levels of microplastic inhalation. According to research findings, Chinese and Mongolian residents rank highest, inhaling more than 2.8 million microplastic particles per month. US residents inhale around 300,000 particles per month.

Only residents in the Mediterranean and surrounding regions breathe in less microplastics. Countries such as Spain, Portugal, and Hungary inhale 60,000 - 240,000 particles per month.

Also read: Researchers Find Microplastics in Human Testicular Tissue

"The industrialization in developing countries, especially in East and South Asia, has resulted in an increase in plastic consumption, waste production, and human absorption of microplastics. In contrast, industrialized countries are experiencing the opposite trend, supported by greater economic resources to reduce and eliminate plastic waste," said You.

You added that this research can provide input for strategies to reduce the use of microplastics that are adapted to local economies and industrial contexts. However, such efforts require international collaboration, such as technological support from developed countries to advance waste reduction strategies.

According to the research, a 90 percent reduction in plastic waste in the waters can cause a significant decrease in microplastic exposure - 51 percent in developed countries and 49 percent in industrialized areas.

This study was published after the international committee meeting that negotiated the United Nations Plastic Agreement on April 23-29, a legally binding agreement that will establish global rules on plastic production and disposal. The agreement is expected to be completed by the end of this year, with a focus on international collaboration to reduce microplastics in the marine environment.

"Cleaning up the global surface water system is a marathon process that is influenced by local industry and socio-economic conditions," said Zhao.

"However, our global map indicating microplastic hotspots in waters can initiate this journey. Our research highlights that addressing microplastic uptake requires a multifaceted approach, including sustainable packaging solutions, enforcing strict waste management regulations, and advancing water treatment technology."