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The spatial distribution of microplastics in correlation with water quality parameters from the upstream to the downstream of the longest river in East Java, Indonesia
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Scientists found that a major river system in Indonesia gets increasingly contaminated with tiny plastic particles as it flows downstream, with pollution levels nearly quadrupling by the time the water reaches populated coastal areas. This matters because these rivers are linked to drinking water and food sources, and the researchers found the plastic contamination reached "high to very high-risk" levels—meaning the plastics people and wildlife are exposed to downstream may pose greater health hazards than previously realized.
A comprehensive study of the distribution patterns and potential sources of pollution that contribute to the prevalence of microplastics (MPs) in the Brantas River, Surabaya River, and Porong River, Indonesia has been conducted. The results of this study indicates that the concentration of MPs increases from the upstream to the downstream sections of the river (Jonckheere-Terpstra Test, p = 0.001). The concentration of MPs increases from 6.90 particles/L in the upstream to 26.29 particles/L in the downstream, with fragment shapes, black and transparent colors, and sizes below 100 μm as the predominant MPs observed. Elastic Net regression (R = 0.572, MSE = 16.208, RMSE = 4.026, Lambda = 10.374, and Alpha = 0.071) indicates that the MP concentration in this river shows a negative correlation with stream velocity, phosphate, dissolved oxygen (DO), and nitrate, while demonstrating a positive correlation with biological oxygen demand (BOD), temperature, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total suspended solids (TSS). Four polymers-polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polypropylene (PP)-were identified at the research stations. The polymer hazard index (PHI) demonstrates an increasing trend from upstream to downstream, with values ranging from 206 to 2247, corresponding to hazard classes III and IV. This indicates that the river is classified within the high to very high-risk category.
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Spatial distribution of microplastic pollution and its relation to pollution index-based water quality status in Progo River, Indonesia
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Researchers mapped microplastic distribution along Indonesia's heavily polluted Progo River, finding 75 to 436 plastic particles per cubic meter of water and showing that lower oxygen levels, higher organic pollution, and faster water flow all correlated with higher microplastic concentrations — evidence that plastic particles actively degrade river water quality.
Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Microplastics in Water and Surface Sediments Along the Jawi River–Kakap Estuary, West Kalimantan, Indonesia
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Scientists found tiny plastic bits, mostly fibers in the water and fragments in the mud, throughout an Indonesian river and estuary system. The riverbed sediment accumulates far more plastic over time than the water itself, meaning these tropical waterways act as long-term plastic traps. This matters because these rivers often connect to fishing grounds and food and water sources people rely on daily.
Mapping mismanaged plastic waste in Indonesia: subdistrict-level analysis through material flow from sources to the environment
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Researchers found that Indonesia produces over 9 million tons of plastic waste each year, with more than 1 million tons ending up directly in rivers, drains, and illegally dumped on land. This mismanaged plastic waste breaks down into tiny particles called microplastics that can contaminate drinking water and food sources, potentially affecting human health. The study helps identify pollution hotspots where better waste management could reduce plastic entering the environment and our bodies.
Spatial Distribution of Microplastic Abundance and Characteristics in the Surface Water of the Kahayan River, Central Kalimantan
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Scientists tested river water in Central Kalimantan (Indonesia) that local communities rely on for drinking, fishing, and transportation, and found tiny plastic particles, mostly microscopic fibers, at every single location they checked. The amount of plastic varied depending on nearby human activity rather than simply increasing downstream, showing that pollution sources close to home matter most. This matters because many people depend on this river for daily life, and understanding where microplastics come from is the first step toward reducing our exposure to them through drinking water and food.
Abundance of microplastics in Cisadane river - Indonesia
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Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination along the Cisadane River in Indonesia, sampling at 11 points from upstream to downstream. They found microplastics present throughout the river, with concentrations and types varying by location and influenced by nearby human and industrial activities. The study underscores the persistent nature of microplastic pollution in tropical river systems serving large populations.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.