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Identification and analysis of microplastic abundance in the digestive tract of Baung fish (Mystus nemurus Valencionnes, 1840) in the waters of the Musi River, Palembang City
Summary
Scientists studying Indonesia's Musi River found microplastic particles—tiny plastic bits mostly from broken-down plastic bags and packaging—in the digestive tracts of every single Baung fish they tested (30 out of 30). Since this fish is commonly eaten by local communities, the findings suggest that when people catch and eat fish from polluted waterways, they may also be consuming these plastic particles, raising concerns about long-term health effects that scientists are still working to understand.
The Musi River is the longest river in South Sumatra Province and plays a vital role as a major trade route, transportation corridor, and primary water source for local communities. The river is also utilized by various industries, including urea fertilizer manufacturing, rubber processing, and coal-related industries, as well as by densely populated residential areas along its banks, particularly in the city of Palembang. These anthropogenic and industrial activities contribute significantly to the pollution of the Musi River, including contamination by microplastics. This study identified a total of 356 microplastic particles, consisting of 27 fibers, 48 fragments, 251 films, and 30 foams. Film-type microplastics were the most dominant, primarily originating from the fragmentation of secondary plastics such as plastic bags and packaging materials commonly found in household waste. Analysis of Baung fish (Mystus nemurus) samples showed that all 30 specimens (100%) contained microplastics. These findings indicate a high level of microplastic contamination in the Musi River and demonstrate its potential adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems and human health.