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From riverbank to the sea: An initial assessment of plastic pollution along the Ciliwung River, Indonesia
Summary
Researchers found that Indonesia's Ciliwung River, which flows into the sea, is choked with trash, over half of it plastic, mostly single-use items and Styrofoam, at levels far higher than rivers studied elsewhere in the world. As this plastic breaks down, it can turn into microplastics that enter waterways, seafood, and eventually our bodies, so cutting back on single-use plastics and improving trash collection isn't just good for the environment, it's a step toward protecting what ends up on our plates.
This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of anthropogenic debris on the riverbanks of the Ciliwung River, covering upstream to downstream areas. The mean of debris found in each measurement was 32.79 ± 15.38 items/m2 with a weight of 106.00 ± 50.23 g/m2. Plastic debris accounted for over 50 % of all litter items identified and represents 55 % by weight, signifying a significantly high prevalence compared to global studies examining litter along riverbanks. The majority of the plastics found originated from Single-use applications and were predominantly made from Styrofoam. This investigation demonstrated the importance of actions to reduce single use applications and to improve waste management strategies. This can be achieved through proactive initiatives coupled with adaptable approaches, such as implementing effective urban planning and enhancing waste collection capacity.